• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제27권4호
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• pp.325-331
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• 2023

α₁-adrenoceptors link via the G-protein Gq/G₁₁ to both Ca²⁺ entry and release from stores, but may also activate Rho kinase, which causes calcium sensitization. This study aimed to identify the subtype(s) of α₁-adrenoceptor involved in Rho kinase-mediated responses in both rat aorta and mouse spleen, tissues in which contractions involve multiple subtypes of α₁-adrenoceptor. Tissues were contracted with cumulative concentrations of noradrenaline (NA) in 0.5 log unit increments, before and in the presence of an antagonist or vehicle. Contractions produced by NA in rat aorta are entirely α₁-adrenoceptor mediated as they are competitively blocked by prazosin. The α_1A-adrenoceptor antagonist RS100329 had low potency in rat aorta. The α_1D-adrenoceptor antagonist BMY7378 antagonized contractions in rat aorta in a biphasic manner: low concentrations blocking α_1D-adrenoceptors and high concentrations blocking α_1B-adrenoceptors. The Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil (10 µM) significantly reduced aortic contractions in terms of maximum response, suggesting inhibition of α_1B-adrenoceptor mediated responses. In the mouse spleen, a tissue in which all 3 subtypes of α₁-adrenoceptor are involved in contractions to NA, fasudil (3 µM) significantly reduced both early and late components to the NA contraction, the early component involving α_1B- and α_1D-adrenoceptors, and the late component involving α_1B- and α_1A-adrenoceptors. This suggests that fasudil inhibits α_1B-adrenoceptor mediated responses. It is concluded that α_1D- and α_1B-adrenoceptors interact in rat aorta and α_1D-, α_1A- and α_1B-adrenoceptors interact in the mouse spleen to produce contractions and these interactions suggest that one of the receptors preferentially activates Rho kinase, most likely the α_1B-adrenoceptor.

• 한국산학기술학회논문지
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• 제17권11호
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• pp.640-647
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• 2016

형광 간섭 현상을 최소화시켜 상대적으로 민감한 측정이 가능한 aequorin기반 luminescence기술은 $G_{{\alpha}16}$ 단백질 도입을 통해 세포 내부의 칼슘 이동 신호를 감지하여 G 단백질 결합 수용체(G protein-coupled receptor, GPCR)의 기능 분석을 가능하게 하는 세포 기반 분석 기술로 수용체 및 G 단백질 유전자 전달의 최적화 과정이 필수적이다. 본 연구를 위해 corticotropin releasing factor receptor subtype 2(CRF2) 수용체를 모델 시스템으로 CRF2와 $G_{{\alpha}16}$ 단백질이 구축된 세 가지 안정화 세포주를 제작하였고, 이들을 이용한 서로 다른 세 가지 조건의 임시 발현 세포주에서 작용제(sauvagine)와 길항제(K41498)의 반응성을 분석하여 최적의 유전자 전달 방법을 도출하고자 하였다. 그 결과 sauvagine 및 K41498의 농도에 따른 반응에서 CRF2-$G_{{\alpha}16}$ 안정화 세포주가 임시 발현 세포주보다 10배 이상의 유효신호 비율을 나타내었고(z'=0.77) 임시 발현 세포주의 경우 $G_{{\alpha}16}$의 안정화 발현 이후에 CRF2를 전달하는 경우가 다른 임시 발현 조건보다 2배 이상 높은 효율을 보였다(z'=0.84). 따라서 임시 유전자 전달 기술을 GPCR 세포 기능 분석 시스템에 활용할 경우 $G_{{\alpha}16}$ 단백질에 대한 안정화 세포주를 우선적으로 구축하고, 목표하는 다양한 수용체들을 단계적으로 발현시키는 것이 최선의 방법이라 판단된다.

• 약학회지
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• 제45권3호
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• pp.287-292
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• 2001

To investigate whether phospholipase $A_2$pathway is involved in histamine release of rat peritoneal mast cells, we measured histamine release in the presence of various enzyme inhibitors involved in eicosanoid pathway, such as phospholipase $A_2$, cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. Phospholipase $A_2$inhibitors, manoalide and OPC, significantly inhibited histamine release induced by 100 $\mu$M ATP and 1$\mu$g/ml compound 48/80. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors, ibuprofen and indomethacin, significantly inhibited ATP-induced histamine release and lipoxygenase inhibitors, baicalein and caffeic acid, also significantly inhibited. To investigate the involvement of protein kinase in ATP- and compound 48/80-induced histamine release, we observed effects of protein kinase inhibitors on histamine release. Bisindolmaleimide (protein kinase C antagonist) dose-dependently inhibited both ATP and compound 48/80-induced histamine release. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (methyl 2,5-dihydroxy cinnamate and genistein) dose-dependently inhibited ATP and compound 48/80-induced histamine release. Protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase seem to be involved in histamine release induced by ATP and compound 48/80. These results suggest that phospholipase $A_2$pathway as well as protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase are involved in histamine release of rat peritoneal mast cells by ATP and compound 48/80.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제14권5호
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• pp.1031-1037
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• 2004

The interaction of chemoattractant receptors and $G{\alpha}_{16}$ was studied to provide the molecular basis to elucidate the interaction of chemoattractant receptors with $G{\alpha}_{16}$ subunit, thereby possibly contributing to finding novel targets for designing new type of G protein antagonists with anti-inflammatory effects. Experiments were performed to characterize the $G{\alpha}_{16}$ subunit domains responsible for efficient coupling to chemoattractant receptors. Thus, a series of chimeric $G{\alpha}_{11}G{\alpha}_{16}$ and $G{\alpha}_{16}G{\alpha}_{11}$ cDNA constructs were expressed, and the ability of chimeric proteins to mediate C5a, IL-8, and fMLP-induced release of inositol phosphate in transfected Cos-7 cells was tested. The results showed that short stretches of residues 154 to residue 167 and from residue 174 to residue 195 of $G{\alpha}_{16}$ contribute to efficient coupling to the C5a receptor. On the other hand, a stretch of amino acid residues 220-240 of $G{\alpha}_{16}$ that is necessary for interacting with C5a receptor did not play any role in the interaction with IL-8 receptor. However, a stretch from residue 155 to residue 195 of $G{\alpha}_{16}$ was found to be crucial for efficient coupling to IL-8 receptor in concert with C-terminal 30 amino acid residues of this ${\alpha}$ subunit. Coupling profiles of a variety of chimeras, composed of $G{\alpha}_{11}G{\alpha}_{16}$ to fMLP receptor indicate that the C-terminal 30 amino acids are most critical for the coupling of $G{\alpha}_{16}$ to fMLP receptor. Taken together, $G{\alpha}_{16}$ subunit recruits multiple and distinctive coupling regions, depending on the type of receptors, to interact.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제43권4호
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• pp.527-538
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• 2019

Background: Ginsenoside Rg1 was shown to exert ligand-independent activation of estrogen receptor (ER) via mitogen-activated protein kinase-mediated pathway. Our study aimed to delineate the mechanisms by which Rg1 activates the rapid ER signaling pathways. Methods: ER-positive human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and ER-negative human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells were treated with Rg1 ($10^{-12}M$, $10^{-8}M$), $17{\beta}$-estradiol ($10^{-8}M$), or vehicle. Immunoprecipitation was conducted to investigate the interactions between signaling protein and ER in MCF-7 cells. To determine the roles of these signaling proteins in the actions of Rg1, small interfering RNA or their inhibitors were applied. Results: Rg1 rapidly induced $ER{\alpha}$ translocation to plasma membrane via caveolin-1 and the formation of signaling complex involving linker protein (Shc), insulin-like growth factor-I receptor, modulator of nongenomic activity of ER (MNAR), $ER{\alpha}$, and cellular nonreceptor tyrosine kinase (c-Src) in MCF-7 cells. The induction of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) phosphorylation in MCF-7 cells by Rg1 was suppressed by cotreatment with small interfering RNA against these signaling proteins. The stimulatory effects of Rg1 on MEK phosphorylation in these cells were suppressed by both PP2 (Src kinase inhibitor) and AG1478 [epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor]. In addition, Rg1-induced estrogenic activities, EGFR and MEK phosphorylation in MCF-7 cells were abolished by cotreatment with G15 (G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 antagonist). The increase in intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation, but not Ca mobilization, in MCF-7 cells by Rg1 could be abolished by G15. Conclusion: Ginsenoside Rg1 exerted estrogenic actions by rapidly inducing the formation of ER containing signalosome in MCF-7 cells. Additionally, Rg1 could activate EGFR and c-Src ER-independently and exert estrogenic effects via rapid activation of membrane-associated ER and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제25권5호
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• pp.497-503
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• 2017

Recent reports claimed that glucosylsphingosine (GS) is highly accumulated and specifically evoking itch-scratch responses in the skins of atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. However, it was unclear how GS can trigger itch-scratch responses, since there were no known molecular singling pathways revealed yet. In the present study, it was verified for the first time that GS can activate mouse serotonin receptor 2a (mHtr2a) and 2b (mHtr2b), but not 2c (mHtr2c) that are expressed in HEK293T cells. Specifically, effects of GS on all mouse serotonin receptor 2 subfamily were evaluated by calcium imaging techniques. The GS-induced intracellular calcium increase was dose-dependent, and antagonists such as ketanserin (Htr2a antagonist) and RS-127445 (Htr2b antagonist) significantly blocked the GS-induced responses. Moreover, the proposed GS-induced responses appear to be mediated by phospholipase C (PLC), since pretreatment of a PLC inhibitor U-73122 abolished the GS-induced responses. Additionally, the GS-induced calcium influx is probably mediated by endogenous TRPC ion channels in HEK293T cells, since pretreatment of SKF-96365, an inhibitor for TRPC, significantly suppressed GS-induced response. In conclusion, the present study revealed for the first time that GS can stimulate mHtr2a and mHtr2b to induce calcium influx, by utilizing PLC-dependent pathway afterwards. Considering that GS is regarded as a pruritogen in AD, the present study implicates a novel GS-induced itch signaling pathway.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제30권1호
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• pp.38-47
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• 2022

The present study focused on lithocholic acid (LCA), a secondary bile acid that contributes to cholestatic pruritus. Although recent studies have found that LCA acts on MAS-related G protein-coupled receptor family member X4 (MRGPRX4) in humans, it is unclear which subtypes of MRGPRs are activated by LCA in mice since there is no precise ortholog of human MRGPRX4 in the mouse genome. Using calcium imaging, we found that LCA could activate mouse Mrgpra1 when transiently expressed in HEK293T cells. Moreover, LCA similarly activates mouse Mrgprb2. Importantly, LCA-induced responses showed dose-dependent effects through Mrgpra1 and Mrgprb2. Moreover, treatment with QWF (an antagonist of Mrgpra1 and Mrgprb2), YM254890 (Gα_q inhibitor), and U73122 (an inhibitor of phospholipase C) significantly suppressed the LCA-induced responses, implying that the LCA-induced responses are indeed mediated by Mrgpra1 and Mrgprb2. Furthermore, LCA activated primary cultures of mouse sensory neurons and peritoneal mast cells, suggesting that Mrgpra1 and Mrgprb2 contribute to LCA-induced pruritus. However, acute injection of LCA did not induce noticeable differences in scratching behavior, implying that the pruritogenic role of LCA may be marginal in non-cholestatic conditions. In summary, the present study identified for the first time that LCA can activate Mrgpra1 and Mrgprb2. The current findings provide further insight into the similarities and differences between human and mouse MRGPR families, paving a way to understand the complex roles of these pruriceptors.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제14권5호
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• pp.311-316
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• 2010

It is well-known that electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced contraction is mediated by a cholinergic mechanism and other neurotransmitters. NO, ATP, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and substance P are released by EFS. To investigate the purinergic mechanism involved in the EFS-induced contraction, purinegic receptors antagonists were used. Suramine, a non-selective P2 receptor antagonist, reduced the contraction induced by EFS. NF023 ($10^{-7}{\sim}10^{-4}M$), a selective P2X antagonist, inhibited the contraction evoked by EFS. Reactive blue ($10^{-6}{\sim}10^{-4}M$), selective P2Y antagonist, also blocked the contraction in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, P2X agonist ${\alpha}$,${\beta}$-methylene 5'-adenosine triphosphate (${\alpha}{\beta}MeATP$, $10^{-7}{\sim}10^{-5}M$) potentiated EFS-induced contraction in a dose-dependent manner. P2Y agonist adenosine 5'-[${\beta}$-thio]diphosphate trilithium salt ($ADP{\beta}S$, $10^{-7}{\sim}10^{-5}M$) also potentiated EFS-induced contractions in a dose-dependent manner. Ecto-ATPase activator apyrase (5 and 10 U/ml) reduced EFS-induced contractions. Inversely, 6-N,$N$-diethyl-D-${\beta}$,${\gamma}$- dibromomethylene 5'-triphosphate triammonium (ARL 67156, $10^{-4}M$) increased EFS-induced contraction. These data suggest that endogenous ATP plays a role in EFS-induced contractions which are mediated through both P2X-receptors and P2Y-receptors stimulation in cat esophageal smooth muscle.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제21권3호
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• pp.337-342
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• 2006

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are pacemaker cells that activate the periodic spontaneous depolarization (pacemaker potentials) responsible for the production of slow waves in gastrointestinal smooth muscle. The effects of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) on the pacemaker potentials in cultured ICCs from murine small intestine were investigated by whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. Addition of VIP (50 nM-$1{\mu}M$) decreased the amplitude of pacemaker potentials and depolarized resting membrane potentials. To examine the type of receptors involved in ICC, we examined the effects of the $VIP_1$ agonist and found that it had no effect on pacemaker potentials. Pretreatment with $VIP_1$ antagonist ($1{\mu}M$) for 10 min also did not block the VIP (50 nM)-induced effects. On the other hand exposure to 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo(4,3-A)quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, $100{\mu}M$), an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, prevented VIP inhibition of pacemaker potentials. Similarly KT-5823 ($1{\mu}M$) or RP-8-CPT-cGMPS ($10{\mu}M$), inhibitors of protein kinase G (PKG) blocked the effect of VIP (50 nM) on pacemaker potentials as did N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA, $100{\mu}M$), a non-selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor. These results imply that the inhibition of pacemaker activity by VIP depends on the NO-cGMP-PKG pathway.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제37권9호
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• pp.656-663
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• 2014

Gintonin, a novel, ginseng-derived G protein-coupled lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor ligand, elicits $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ transients in neuronal and non-neuronal cells via pertussis toxin-sensitive and pertussis toxin-insensitive G proteins. The slowly activating delayed rectifier $K^+$ ($I_{Ks}$) channel is a cardiac $K^+$ channel composed of KCNQ1 and KCNE1 subunits. The C terminus of the KCNQ1 channel protein has two calmodulin-binding sites that are involved in regulating $I_{Ks}$ channels. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of gintonin-mediated activation of human $I_{Ks}$ channel activity by expressing human $I_{Ks}$ channels in Xenopus oocytes. We found that gintonin enhances $I_{Ks}$ channel currents in concentration- and voltage-dependent manners. The $EC_{50}$ for the $I_{Ks}$ channel was $0.05{\pm}0.01{\mu}g/ml$. Gintonin-mediated activation 1 of the $I_{Ks}$ channels was blocked by an LPA1/3 receptor antagonist, an active phospholipase C inhibitor, an $IP_3$ receptor antagonist, and the calcium chelator BAPTA. Gintonin-mediated activation of both the $I_{Ks}$ channel was also blocked by the calmodulin (CaM) blocker calmidazolium. Mutations in the KCNQ1 $[Ca^{2+}]_i$/CaM-binding IQ motif sites (S373P, W392R, or R539W)blocked the action of gintonin on $I_{Ks}$ channel. However, gintonin had no effect on hERG $K^+$ channel activity. These results show that gintonin-mediated enhancement of $I_{Ks}$ channel currents is achieved through binding of the $[Ca^{2+}]_i$/CaM complex to the C terminus of KCNQ1 subunit.