• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.31-32
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• 2012

• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.98-114
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• 2002

The completion of the draft sequence of the human genome has provided us with a partial list of known and putative human genes, the total number of which is estimated between 30, 000 and 45, 000 (1, 2). These genes provide many potential targets for drugs, some of which may be useful in stopping the growth of cancers. The development of gene-targeting anticancer drugs could be greatly facilitated by the ability to narrow down the list of human genes to those that are necessary for the growth of tumor cells. (omitted)

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.153-172
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• 1983

The use of carrier systems for the delivery of drugs to areas in the body in need of pharmacological intervention is now the subject of intense research in many laboratories. Because of its obvious advantages (e.g. protection of drugs from hostile environments, facilitated target penetration and avoidance of side effects), drug delivery is expected to ease the pressure and expense of new drug development by making better use of drugs in existence. Generally, carrier-mediated delivery has been envisaged either as direct transport of drugs to a biological target by a carrier that will associate with it selectively, or as release of drugs from a carrier circulating in the blood or immobilized in tissues, at rates compatible with optimal action. One system that has attracted considerable attention is the use of liposomes as carriers of pharmacologically active agents. 154 references were reviewed with special emphasis on the targeting of drugs by use of liposomes in this respect. Recent advances in the other carrier systems and in methods for the preparation of liposomes were also reviewed briefly.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.92-97
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• 1994

It is well known that visual cues can improve the motor performance of Parkinsonian patients. Previous laboratory studies have examined the effects of visual cueing to the floor. This case study examined the effects of using a visual cue above eye level on the gait of a Parkinsonian man. It was found that cueing the patient to a target above eye level while waking not only improved the kinematic parameters of the gait cycle but also facilitated a more functional gait pattern with re-intergration of arm swing, rhythm, heel strike and a more erect posture. Visual targeting above eye level may serve as an important clinical tool for physiotherapists treating Parkinsonian patients.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.190-201
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• 2024

Background: Deposition of immune complexes drives podocyte injury acting in the initial phase of lupus nephritis (LN), a process mediated by B cell involvement. Accordingly, targeting B cell subsets represents a potential therapeutic approach for LN. Ginsenoside compound K (CK), a bioavailable component of ginseng, possesses nephritis benefits in lupus-prone mice; however, the underlying mechanisms involving B cell subpopulations remain elusive. Methods: Female MRL/lpr mice were administered CK (40 mg/kg) intragastrically for 10 weeks, followed by measurements of anti-dsDNA antibodies, inflammatory chemokines, and metabolite profiles on renal samples. Podocyte function and ultrastructure were detected. Publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing data and flow cytometry analysis were employed to investigate B cell subpopulations. Metabolomics analysis was adopted. SIRT1 and AMPK expression were analyzed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assays. Results: CK reduced proteinuria and protected podocyte ultrastructure in MRL/lpr mice by suppressing circulating anti-dsDNA antibodies and mitigating systemic inflammation. It activated B cell-specific SIRT1 and AMPK with Rhamnose accumulation, hindering the conversion of renal B cells into plasma cells. This cascade facilitated the resolution of local renal inflammation. CK facilitated the clearance of deposited immune complexes, thus reinstating podocyte morphology and mobility by normalizing the expression of nephrin and SYNPO. Conclusions: Our study reveals the synergistic interplay between SIRT1 and AMPK, orchestrating the restoration of renal B cell subsets. This process effectively mitigates immune complex deposition and preserves podocyte function. Accordingly, CK emerges as a promising therapeutic agent, potentially alleviating the hyperactivity of renal B cell subsets during LN.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.779-784
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• 2013

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis of global concern caused by Leptospira interrogans. The availability of ligand libraries has facilitated the search for novel drug targets using chemogenomics approaches, compared with the traditional method of drug discovery, which is time consuming and yields few leads with little intracellular information for guiding target selection. Recent subtractive genomics studies have revealed the putative drug targets in peptidoglycan biosynthesis pathways in Leptospira interrogans. Aligand library for the murD ligase enzyme in the peptidoglycan pathway has also been identified. Our approach in this research involves screening of the pre-existing ligand library of murD with related protein family members in the putative drug target assembly in the peptidoglycan biosynthesis pathway. A chemogenomics approach has been implemented here, which involves screening of known ligands of a protein family having analogous domain architecture for identification of leads for existing druggable protein family members. By means of this approach, one murC and one murF inhibitor were identified, providing a platform for developing an anti-leptospirosis drug targeting the peptidoglycan biosynthesis pathway. Given that the peptidoglycan biosynthesis pathway is exclusive to bacteria, the in silico identified mur ligase inhibitors are expected to be broad-spectrum Gram-negative inhibitors if synthesized and tested in in vitro and in vivo assays.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.325-333
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• 2019

This study was a qualitative investigation of the process of adaptation of nutrition education programs by marriage immigrant women who completed education programs for training of food citizen leaders. Focus group interviews of seven marriage immigrant women from Vietnam, China, Mongolia and Russia were conducted and analyzed based on the Normalization Process Theory (NPT). Participants were aware of the purpose of the education program (coherence) and their confidence in organizing and reconstructing the knowledge of nutrition was increased after education (reflexive monitoring). However, they had difficulties attending long-term education programs (cognitive participation) and overcoming language barriers (collective action). Although the program was beneficial for the participants in that they could apply acquired nutrition knowledge to their everyday life as food citizen leaders, the continuous monitoring and feed-back system (management), customized application, and consideration of personal and social factors need to be developed and facilitated. In addition, various programs targeting marriage immigrant women may increase economic independence of these women. The NPT proved beneficial in conceptualizing the barriers and facilitators to implementing nutrition education. The successful implementation of nutrition intervention needs special support to overcome barriers to cognitive participation and collective action.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.277-287
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• 2023

Actin dynamics play an essential role in myogenesis through multiple mechanisms, such as mechanotransduction, cell proliferation, and myogenic differentiation. Twinfilin-1 (TWF1), an actin-depolymerizing protein, is known to be required for the myogenic differentiation of progenitor cells. However, the mechanisms by which they epigenetically regulate TWF1 by microRNAs under muscle wasting conditions related to obesity are almost unknown. Here, we investigated the role of miR-103-3p in TWF1 expression, actin filament modulation, proliferation, and myogenic differentiation of progenitor cells. Palmitic acid, the most abundant saturated fatty acid (SFA) in the diet, reduced TWF1 expression and impeded myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts, while elevating miR-103-3p levels in myoblasts. Interestingly, miR-103-3p inhibited TWF1 expression by directly targeting its 3'UTR. Furthermore, ectopic expression of miR-103-3p reduced the expression of myogenic factors, i.e., MyoD and MyoG, and subsequently impaired myoblast differentiation. We demonstrated that miR-103-3p induction increased filamentous actin (F-actin) and facilitated the nuclear translocation of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), thereby stimulating cell cycle progression and cell proliferation. Hence, this study suggests that epigenetic suppression of TWF1 by SFA-inducible miR-103-3p impairs myogenesis by enhancing the cell proliferation triggered by F-actin/YAP1.

• The Journal of Industrial Distribution & Business
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.11-21
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the impact of mobile shopping app components on shopping flow and the continuous usage intention of the shopping apps in the rapidly growing mobile market facilitated by advancements in the mobile environment. Research Methodology: A survey was conducted, targeting users aged 20 and older with experience in using mobile shopping apps. The responses of 456 participants were analyzed through frequency analysis, exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. Results: The study found that within the components of mobile shopping apps, enjoyment significantly impacted both shopping flow and the continuous usage intention of shopping apps. The diversity of product assortment had a significant effect only on shopping flow. The usefulness and ease of use influenced on the intention to continue using shopping apps. Conclusions: Based on the findings, it is recommended that shopping app operators try to identify essential components for stimulating user interest and engagement when developing or modifying apps. Additionally, a diverse range of products enhances the shopping experience and drives spontaneous purchases. Furthermore, providing an easy interface and minimizing the effort required, this experience can enhance user perception of its value and sustain consumers' continuous usage intention of the shopping app.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.284-289
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• 2004

A PCR assay for the rapid detection of Vibrio vulnificus strains was developed using a virulence gene for elastase found in various Vibrio species. The DNA sequences in the elastase gene facilitated the identification of a species-specific probe for pathogenic V. vulnificus strains from both clinical and environmental sources. Using an elastase gene-based PCR reaction, a species-specific 507-bp PCR product was visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis. Three different DNA extraction methods were then compared to improve the simplicity and rapidity of detection. A PCR assay using the conventional DNA extraction or boiling method was able to detect as few as 25 V. vulnificus cells, making the detection limits at least 1-log-scale lower than that for the EDT A-treated DNA extraction method. In particular, the boiling method, which does not require purification of the chromosomal DNA, was very effective in terms of simple and rapid detection. Meanwhile, the detection limit in a mixed bacterial culture that included other bacteria, such as Escherichia coli or Bacillus subtilis, was two V. vulnificus cells, which was 1-log-scale lower than that for the control. Accordingly, when coupled with a new DNA extraction method, the elastase gene-based PCR can provide a rapid, specific, and sensitive method for identifying V. vulnificus in clinical and environmental samples.