• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.9
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• pp.1007-1015
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• 2018

The E6-associated protein (E6AP) is known to induce the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of HCV core protein and thereby directly impair capsid assembly, resulting in a decline in HCV replication. To counteract this anti-viral host defense system, HCV core protein has evolved a strategy to inhibit E6AP expression via DNA methylation. In the present study, we further explored the mechanism by which HCV core protein inhibits E6AP expression. HCV core protein upregulated both the protein levels and enzyme activities of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), DNMT3a, and DNMT3b to inhibit E6AP expression via promoter hypermethylation in HepG2 cells but not in Hep3B cells, which do not express p53. Interestingly, p53 overexpression alone in Hep3B cells was sufficient to activate DNMTs in the absence of HCV core protein and thereby inhibit E6AP expression via promoter hypermethylation. In addition, upregulation of p53 was absolutely required for the HCV core protein to inhibit E6AP expression via promoter hypermethylation, as evidenced by both p53 knockdown and ectopic expression experiments. Accordingly, levels of the ubiquitinated forms of HCV core protein were lower in HepG2 cells than in Hep3B cells. Based on these observations, we conclude that HCV core protein evades ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation in a p53-dependent manner.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.17 no.9
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• pp.1554-1557
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• 2007

Artemisia princeps Pampanini (AP) was fermented with Bifidobacterium infantis K-525 and its antiasthmic effect investigated. AP and fennented AP (FAP) reduced the IgE level in the blood of ovalbumin-induced asthmic mice. Moreover, FAP reduced the IgE, proinflammatory cytokine IL-6, and IL-4 levels in the trachea, as well as in the lung of the experimental asthmic mice, whereas AP only reduced the IgE and IL-6 levels in the lungs. Nonetheless, AP and FAP both inhibited the mRNA expression of IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$ in IgE-induced RBL-2H3 cells. The in vivo antiasthmic effect of FAP was more potent than that of AP. Therefore, these findings suggest that the enhanced antiasthmic effect of AP after bifidus fermentation was possibly due to the regulation of the proinflammatory cytokine biosynthesis of IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$.

• The Journal of the Korean Society for Microbiology
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.21-27
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• 1971

Recent reports confirm that R factors is widespread in Korea among Enterobacteriaceae isolated from humans. However, no reports have been made concerning the incidence of transferable drug resistance in domestic animals in this country. A total of 211 isolates of Escherichia coli, including 94 strains from dogs, 76 strains from pigs, 30 strains from chickens, and 21 strains from cow milk, were examined for drug resistance and distribution of R factors. And, respective two strains of Salmonella E group and Salmonella cholerasuis which were isolated from dogs and pigs, respectively were also examined for the same purposes. Of 211 strains of E. coli isolated, 66.8% were found to be resistant to 8 antibacterial agents such as streptomycin(SM), tetracycline(TC), chloramphenicol(CP), ampicillin sodium(AP), nalidixic acid(NA), gentamicin(GM), and polymyxin B(PX). Among the isolates, 86.2% of the strains from dogs, 70% of the strains from chickens, 43.4% of the strains from pigs, and 28.6% of the strains from milk, respectively, were found to be resistant to the drugs. The following percentage of resistance of E. coli to each individual drugs was encountered: of 94 strains from dogs, AP, 64.9%; SM, 20.2%; NA, 12.8%, CP and PX, 8.5% each; GM, 2.1% each; GM, 2.1%. Among 76 strains from pigs, 42.2% and 2.6% each were resistant to TC, AP and PX, respectively. Among 30 strains from chickens, 43.3% were resistant to SM, TC, AP, respectively, and no strains were resistant to the other drugs. No strains of the isolated from milk were resistant to the drugs, except that 28.6% were resistant to SM and AP, respectively. Of the strains from dogs, multiply resistant strains(56.8%) were more than singly resistant one(43.2%) and sixteen different drug resistant patterns were observed. The most frequently encountered patterns were AP TC AP and SM CP AP NA. Of the isolates from other sources, the most frequently encountered resistant patterns were as follows: TC among the strains from pigs; SM TC AP from chickens; SM AP from milk. Of the resistant strains from dogs, 32% carried R factors and the most common resistance patterns of R factors were AP TC AP and SM TC CP, whereas 35.2% of the resistant strains from pigs carried R factors of which the most common encountered pattern was TC. Of the resistant strains from chickens, 46.9% carried R factors of which the most common patterns were SM TC TC AP and AP, whereas 50% of the resistant strains from milk carried R factors of which the most common pattern was SM. Of 4 strains of Salmonella isolated, no strains were resistant to the drugs, except that only one strain of Salmonella E group isolated from a dog was resistant to AP. The strain did not harbor R factor.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.542-549
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• 2010

In the present study, overexpression, purification, and characterization of Aeropyrum pernix K1 chaperonin B in E. coli were investigated. The chaperonin $\beta$-subunit gene (ApCpnB, 1,665 bp ORF) from the hyperthermophilic archaeon A. pernix K1 was amplified by PCR and subcloned into vector pET21a. The constructed pET21a-ApCpnB (6.9 kb) was transformed into E. coli BL21 Codonplus (DE3). The transformant cell successfully expressed ApCpnB, and the expression of ApCpnB (61.2 kDa) was identified through analysis of the fractions by SDS-PAGE (14% gel). The recombinant ApCpnB was purified to higher than 94% by using heat-shock treatment at $90^{\circ}C$ for 20 min and fast protein liquid chromatography on a HiTrap Q column step. The purified ApCpnB showed ATPase activity and its activity was dependent on temperature. In the presence of ATP, ApCpnB effectively protected citrate synthase (CS) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) from thermal aggregation and inactivation at $43^{\circ}$ and $50^{\circ}$, respectively. Specifically, the activity of malate dehydrogenase (MDH) at $85^{\circ}$ was greatly stabilized by the addition of ApCpnB and ATP. Coexpression of pro-carboxypeptidase B (pro-CPB) and ApCpnB in E. coli BL21 Codonplus (DE3) had a marked effect on the yield of pro-CPB as a soluble and active form, speculating that ApCpnB facilitates the correct folding of pro-CPB. These results suggest that ApCpnB has both foldase and holdase activities and can be used as a powerful molecular machinery for the production of recombinant proteins as soluble and active forms in E. coli.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.328-334
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• 2004

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of female death. Viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 are selectively retained and expressed in carcinoma cells infected with HPV (Human pa pilloma virus) type 16 and cooperated in immotalization and transformation of primary keratinocyte. E6 and E7 oncoproteins interfere the functions of tumor suppressor proteins p53 and retinoblasoma protein (pRb), respectively. Among a lots of natural products, Mentha arvensis Linne var.piperascens have inhibitory effects on bindings between E6 oncoprotein and tumor suppressor p53, E3 ubiqutin- protein ligase (E6AP). HPV oncoprotein inhibitors from Mentha piperita L. were isolated by solvent partition and column chromatography (Silica gel, RP-18) and inhibitory compounds were finally purified by HPLC using an ELISA screening system based on binding between E6 and E6AP. The aim of this study is to identify the structure of inhibitory compounds and to investigate whether these compounds have inhibitory effects on functions of E6 oncoprotein. We investigated whether caffeic acid methyl ester (CAM) extracted from Mentha piperita L. could inhibit the function of E6 oncoprotein. CAM inhibited the in vitro binding of E6 and E6AP which are essential for the binding and degradation of the tumor suppressor p53 and also inhibited the proliferation of human cervical cancer cell lines (SiHa and CaSKi) in a dose response manner. These results suggest that CAM inhibited the function of E6 oncoprotein, suggesting that it can be used as a potential drug for the treatment of cervical cancers infected with HPV.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.352-358
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• 1987

Rate constants for the hydrolysis of para-substituted phenyl N-(p-chlorobenzoyl)chloroformimidate (I) derivatives in 1 : 4 dioxane-water at $25^{\circ}C$ have been determined. Rate data, substituent effect $(\rho\>{\rho}^+)$, product analysis and MO calculation indicate that the uncatalyzed reaction proceeds through an $S_N1$ mechanism involving the formation of azocarbonium ion (II) below pH 3.0, and the base-catalyzed reaction proceeds through an $S_N2$ mechanism via transition state (III) above pH 4.0. The relative stability of four peri planar conformational isomers were (E-ap) > (Z-ap) > (E-sp) > (Z-ap), respectively, and the most stable stereo structures shows that the Y-substituted phenyl group $(C_6H_4-Y)$ occupy vertical $(90^{\circ})$ position on the plane of the benzimidochloroformyl group in (E-ap) conformer. The nucleophilic substitution of water molecule occurs by sigma attack to the activatived azomethine carbon atom of (I) derivatives.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.398-404
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• 2010

Complementary and alternative medicines are considered as a promising research field to develop new therapies for various allergic diseases. In this study, we investigated the anti-allergic effect of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb (AP) by using passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice and its mechanism of action in mast cells. The extract of AP reversibly inhibited degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells and bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). AP also suppressed the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis inducing by IgE and antigen (Ag) in a dose-dependent manner. In the study to find its mechanism of action, AP inhibited the phosphorylation of Syk kinase, a pivotal protein which is regulated by Src-family kinase for activation of mast cells. In addition, AP also suppressed activation of Akt and Erk1/2 that are critical for the production of cytokines in mast cells. The results strongly suggest that AP exerts anti-allergic activity in vitro and in vivo through the inhibition of activation of Syk in mast cells.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.5-11
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• 2009

Objectives : This study investigated the hypothesis that the dentin bond strength of self-etching adhesives (SEAs) may be improved by applying a coat of hydrophobic, neutral adhesive resin in addition to SEA. Method and Materials : The bond strengths of two SEAs - Experimental SEA (EX) and Adper Prompt (AP) - were measured with three bonding protocols. The D/E resin of All-Bond 2 was applied as the hydrophobic, neutral adhesive. Clearfil SE Bond (SE, self-etching primer system) and All-Bond 2 (AB, total etching system) were used as references. The following protocols were used: (1) EX1 (EX 1 coat); (2) EX2 (EX 2 coats); (3) EX+ (EX 1 coat + D/E resin); (4) AP1 (AP 1 coat); (5) AP2 (AP 2 coats); (6) AP+ (AP 1 coat + D/E resin); (7) SE (SE primer + SE bond); (8) SE+ (SE primer + D/E resin); (9) AB (etching + AB primer + D/E resin). Filtek Z250 composite resin was built up and the microtensile bond strength (MTBS) values of the specimens were compared. The fractured surfaces were observed using SEM. Results : When SEA was used as self-etching primer and hydrophobic, neutral adhesive was applied as well, MTBS was significantly higher than that when either one coat or two coats of SEA only were used (p < 0.05). Conclusion : The hydrophobic, neutral adhesive improved the integrity of the bonded interface obtained with SEA.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.113-118
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• 1980

Total of 11 strains of Ldctobacillus isolated from lactobacillus-fermented milk and-beverage in March 1980 were examined for susceptibility to 8 drugs, and transferability and transfer frequency of R plasmids by conjugation. Of 11 isolates each 2 strains were classified as L. cellobiosus and L. helveticus, each 1 strain as L. plantarum, L. lactis, L. acidophilus, L. delbrueckii, L. casei subsp. casei, L. casei subsp, tolerans and L. salivarius subsp, salivarius by Bergey's manual. Resistance was the most active to na lidixic acid(NA), followed in decreasing order by chloramphenicol(CP), ampicillin(AP), kanamycin(KM) and streptomycin(SM). All of isolates were resistant to NA, each 10 strains to CP and AP, 7strains to KM and 6 strains to SM, indicating all of the isolates were resistant to two or more drugs in combination. No strain was resistant to erythromycin(EM), penicillin(PC) and tetracycline(TC). The most frequently encountered resistant patterns were CP NA AP SM KM, followed by CP NA AP KM, NA AP, CP NA, CP NA AP and CP NA AP SM in order. Transfer experiment of drug resistance showed that of 11 resistant strains, 9 strains transferred parts of their resistance to AP or AP CP or SM AP, indicating 9 strains carried R plasmids determining R(AP), R(AP CP) and R(SM AP). The conjugal frequency of R(AP) from Lactobacillus to E. coli ranged from 2.5{\times}10^{-1} to $5.6{\times}10^{-4}%$, that of R(CP) ranged from 5.0{\times}10^{-1} to 5.0{\times}10^{-3}% and that of R(SM) ranged from 6.0{\times}10^{-5} to 1.4{\times}10^{-5}%, at $37^{\circ}C$ for 18 hours of incubation.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.15 no.6 s.73
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• pp.928-934
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• 2005

ATF2 is a cellular transcription factor which belongs to the CREB/ATF class and it is leucine zipper protein which generally binds to DNA as dimers. This paper presents the procedure for subcloning the ATF2 gene and the results of experiment used the expressed ATF2. The pET expression vector was used since it produced 6xHis fusion protein for easy purification using affinity column. The Nickel chelating chromatography was used for Purifying the expressed ATE2 from E- codi BL2l. Subsequen시y In vitro binding pull-down assay showed the binding specificity of ATF2 with AP-1 family factors such as BATF, c-Fos, c-Jun and ATF2 itselgf. ATF2 forms homodimer as well as strong heterodimer with BATF. It also forms stable dimer with c-Jun but barely binds with c-Fos.