• Molecules and Cells
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• 제23권3호
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• pp.316-322
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• 2007

Zinc finger transcription factor genes are a significant fraction of the genes in the vertebrate genome. Here we report the isolation and characterization of a human zinc finger-containing gene, ZNF435, from a fetal brain cDNA library. ZNF435 cDNA is 1290 base pairs in length and contains an open reading frame encoding 349 amino acids with four C2H2-type zinc fingers at its carboxyl terminus and a SCAN motif at its amino terminus. RT-PCR results showed that ZNF435 was expressed in all tested tissues. A ZNF435-GFP fusion protein was located in the nucleus and the four zinc fingers acted as nuclear localization signals (NLSs). ZNF435 was found to be capable of homo-association, and this effect was independent of its zinc fingers. Furthermore, ZNF435 proved to be a transcription repressor as its overexpression in AD293 cells inhibited the transcriptional activities of AP-1.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.188-197
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• 2018

Benzidine, a known carcinogen, is closely associated with the development of bladder cancer (BC). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical pathophysiological process in BC progression. The underlying molecular mechanisms of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, especially extracellular regulated protein kinases 5 (ERK5), in regulating benzidine-induced EMT remains unclarified. Hence, two human bladder cell lines, T24 and EJ, were utilized in our study. Briefly, cell migration was assessed by wound healing assay, and cell invasion was determined by Transwell assay. Quantitative PCR and western blot were utilized to determine both gene expressions as well as protein levels of EMT and MAPK, respectively. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was transfected to further determine ERK5 function. As a result, the migration and invasion abilities were enhanced, epithelial marker expression was decreased while mesenchymal marker expression was increased in human BC cell lines. Meanwhile, benzidine administration led to activation of ERK5 and activator protein 1 (AP-1) proteins, without effective stimulation of the Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) or p38 pathways. Moreover, Benzidine-induced EMT and ERK5 activation were completely suppressed by XMD8-92 and siRNAs specific to ERK5. Of note, ERK1/2 was activated in benzidine-treated T24 cells, while benzidine-induced EMT could not be reversed by U0126, an ERK1/2 inhibitor, as indicated by further study. Collectively, our findings revealed that ERK5-mediated EMT was critically involved in benzidine-correlated BC progression, indicating the therapeutic significance of ERK5 in benzidine-related BC.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.159-173
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• 2009

Nuclear factor erythroid derived 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) is a master transcription regulator of antioxidant and cytoprotective proteins that mediate cellular defense against oxidative and inflammatory stresses. Disruption of cellular stress response by Nrf2 deficiency causes enhanced susceptibility to infection and related inflammatory diseases as a consequence of exacerbated immune-mediated hypersensitivity and autoimmunity. The cellular defense capacity potentiated by Nrf2 activation appears to balance the population of $CD4^+$ and $CD8^+$ of lymph node cells for proper innate immune responses. Nrf2 can negatively regulate the activation of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules such as p38 MAPK, NF-${\kappa}B$, and AP-1. Nrf2 subsequently functions to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory mediators including cytokines, chemokines, cell adhesion molecules, matrix metalloproteinases, COX-2 and iNOS. Although not clearly elucidated, the antioxidative function of genes targeted by Nrf2 may cooperatively regulate the innate immune response and also repress the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제47권1호
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• pp.81-88
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• 2023

Background: Air pollution has led to an increased exposure of all living organisms to fine dust. Therefore, research efforts are being made to devise preventive and therapeutic remedies against fine dust-induced chronic diseases. Methods: Research of the respiratory protective effects of KRG extract in a particulate matter (PM; aerodynamic diameter of <4 ㎛) plus diesel exhaust particle (DEP) (PM4+D)-induced airway inflammation model. Nitric oxide production, expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, and IRAK-1, TAK-1, and MAPK pathways were examined in PM4-stimulated MH-S cells. BALB/c mice exposed to PM4+D mixture by intranasal tracheal injection three times a day for 12 days at 3 day intervals and KRGE were administered orally for 12 days. Histological of lung and trachea, and immune cell subtype analyses were performed. Expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung were measured. Immunohistofluorescence staining for IRAK-1 localization in lung were also evaluated. Results: KRGE inhibited the production of nitric oxide, the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, and expression and phosphorylation of all downstream factors of NF-κB, including IRAK-1 and MAPK/AP1 pathway in PM4-stimulated MH-S cells. KRGE suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration and number of immune cells, histopathologic damage, and inflammatory symptoms in the BALF and lungs induced by PM4+D; these included increased alveolar wall thickness, accumulation of collagen fibers, and TNF-α, MIP2, CXCL-1, IL-1α, and IL-17 cytokine release. Moreover, PM4 participates induce alveolar macrophage death and interleukin-1α release by associating with IRAK-1 localization was also potently inhibited by KRGE in the lungs of PM4+D-induced airway inflammation model. KRGE suppresses airway inflammatory responses, including granulocyte infiltration into the airway, by regulating the expression of chemokines and inflammatory cytokines via inhibition of IRAK-1 and MAPK pathway. Conclusion: Our results indicate the potential of KRGE to serve as an effective therapeutic agent against airway inflammation and respiratory diseases.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권17호
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• pp.7943-7957
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• 2015

Background and Aims: Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the growth-suppression potentiality of a crude saponin extract (CSENS) prepared from medicinal herb, Nigella sativa, on human colon cancer cells, HCT116. Materials and Methods: HCT116 cells were subjected to increasing doses of CSENS for 24, 48 and 72 h, and then harvested and assayed for cell viability by WST-1. Flow cytometry analyses, cell death detection ELISA, fluorescent stains (Hoechst 33342 and acridine orange/ethidium bromide), DNA laddering and comet assays were carried out to confirm the apoptogenic effects of CSENS. Luciferase reporter gene assays, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses were performed to assess the impact of CAERS and CFEZO on the expression levels of key regulatory proteins in HCT116 cells. Results: The results demonstrated that CSENS inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis. Apoptosis was confirmed by flow cytometry analyses, while CSENS-treated cells exhibited morphological hallmarks of apoptosis including cell shrinkage, irregularity in cellular shape, cellular detachment and chromatin condensation. Biochemical signs of apoptosis, such as DNA degradation, were observed by comet assay and gel electrophoresis. The pro-apoptotic effect of CSENS was caspase-3-independent and associated with increase of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. CSENS treatment down-regulated transcriptional and DNA-binding activities of NF-${\kappa}B$ and AP-1 proteins, associated with down-regulation of their target oncogenes, c-Myc, cyclin D1 and survivin. On the other hand, CSENS up-regulated transcriptional and DNA-binding activities of Nrf2 and expression of cytoprotective genes. In addition, CSENS modulated the expression levels of ERK1/2 MAPK, p53 and p21. Conclusions: These findings suggest that CSENS may be a valuable agent for treatment of colon cancer.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제12권4호
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• pp.171-176
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• 2008

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) serve as molecular chaperones and play a role in cell protection from damage in response to stress stimuli. The aim of this article is to investigate whether HSP22 affects IL-8 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and which cellular factors are involved in the HSP-mediated IL-8 induction in that cell type in terms of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and transcription element. Exposure of aortic smooth muscle cells (AoSMCs) to HSP22 not only enhanced IL-8 release but also induced IL-8 transcript via promoter activation. HSP22 activated ERK and p38 MAPK in AoSMCs. HSP22-induced IL-8 release was inhibited by U0126, but not by SB202190. A mutation in the IL-8 promoter region at the binding site of NF-${\kappa}$ B, but not AP-1 or C/EBP, impaired promoter activation in response to HSP22. Delivery of I ${\kappa}$ B, but not dominant negative c-Jun, lowered HSP22-induced IL-8 release from AoSMCs. These results suggest that HS P22 induces IL-8 in VSMCs via ERK1/2, and that transcription factor NF-kB may be required for the HSP22-induced IL-8 up-regulation.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제26권1호
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• pp.34-41
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• 2016

학명이 Aronia melanocarpa인 블랙초크베리는 항산화, 항염증, 항암 효능이 뛰어난 것으로 보고되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 블랙초크베리에 대한 collagenase inhibition effects와 산화적 스트레스에 유도된 matrix metalloproteinase(MMP), MAPkinase 그리고 AP-1의 발현 그리고/또는 인산화와 같은 분자생물학적 메카니즘을 조사하였다. Collagenase inhibition 효과는 블랙초크베리 에틸아세테이트 분획물(AE)이 500 μg/ml의 농도에서 77.2% 이상의 저해효능을 나타내었고 이는 대조군인 Epigallocatechin gallate의 결과(500 μg/ml에서 83.9%)와 비교해서 유의할 만한 결과였다. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay는 AE에서 가장 농도의존적으로 ROS 생성이 감소되었고, 75 μg/ml의 농도에서 약 70%로 가장 낮은 활성산소가 생성되었다. MTT assay 결과, H₂O₂에 유도된 CCRF 세포에 AE를 처치하였을 때 농도의존적으로 세포 생존율이 증가하였다. 그리고 특히, AE는 H₂O₂에 유도된 CCRF 세포에서의 MMPs (MMP-1, -3 그리고 -9), MAPK (ERK, JNK 그리고 p38) 그리고 AP-1 (c-Fos와 c-Jun)의 발현과 인산화를 억제하였고, pro-collagen type I의 발현은 증가시켰다. 따라서 블랙초크베리 에틸아세테이트 분획물은 주름억제 및 콜라겐 생성의 효능이 있으며 기능성 식품 및 화장품 소재 개발 산업에서의 응용이 가능할 것으로 기대된다.

• 한국식품과학회지
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• 제41권4호
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• pp.405-412
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• 2009

본 연구는 꾸지뽕 나무 열매로부터 75 kDa의 당단백질(꾸지뽕 당단백질)을 추출한 후 꾸지뽕 당단백질의 첨가에 따른 알레르기성 염증 인자인 histamine 유리 억제능력 및 COX-2의 활성 억제 효과를 평가하였다. RBL-2H3세포를 22시간 동안 IgE로 감작시킨 후, HSA를 처리하여 histamine의 유리양을 측정한 결과 꾸지뽕 당단백질을 처리한 농도가 증가함에 따라 histamine의 유리와 COX-2의 활성 억제율은 증가하였다. 또한 꾸지뽕 당단백질의 처리는 HSA에 의해 유도된 세포내 ROS 생성량을 농도에 의존적으로 억제하였다. 한편 꾸지뽕 당단백질을 농도별로 처리하여 세포내 단백질을 추출하여 western blot을 실시한 결과 100 ${\mu}g$/mL 농도의 꾸지뽕 당단백질을 처리한 그룹에서 ERK1/2, AP-1과 COX-2의 활성 수준은 현저히 억제 되었다(p<0.05). 따라서 이러 한 결과에 미루어볼 때, 꾸지뽕 당단백질은 세포내 해독효소의 활성을 증가시킴으로써 ROS 수준을 감소시켰으므로 꾸지뽕 당단백질의 역할이 다른 천연물 유래의 당단백질과 마찬가지로 특이적인 항산화 능력을 지니고 있음을 나타내며 histamine의 유리 억제와 COX-2의 활성이 억제되었을 것으로 생각된다. 이는 꾸지뽕 당단백질이 항 알레르기 효능을 갖는 물질로써 알레르기성 비염, 아토피 등과 같은 알레르기 관련 질환의 예방 및 치료제로 사용될 수 있을 것 사료된다.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제13권11호
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• pp.5619-5625
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• 2012

Gastric carcinoma is a leading cause of cancer death in the world and multi-drug resistance (MDR) is an essential aspect of gastric carcinoma chemotherapy failure. Recent studies have shown that integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is involved in metastasis of human tumors, expression silencing of ILK inhibiting the metastasis of several types of cultured human cancer cells. However, the role and potential mechanism of ILK to reverse the multi-drug resistance in human gastric carcinoma is not fully clear. In this report, we focused on roles of expression silencing of ILK in multi-drug resistance reversal of human gastric carcinoma SGC7901/DDP cells, including increased drug sensitivity to cisplatin, cell apoptosis rates, and intracellular accumulation of Rhodamine-123, and decreased mRNA and protein expression of multi-drug resistance gene (MDR1), multi-drug resistance-associated protein (MRP1), excision repair cross-complementing gene 1 (ERCC1), glutathione S-transferase -${\pi}$ (GST-${\pi}$) and RhoE, and transcriptional activation of AP-1 and NF-${\kappa}B$ in ILK silenced SGC7901/DDP cells. We also found that there was a decreased level of p-Akt and p-ERK. The results indicated that ILK might be used as a potential therapeutic strategy to combat multi-drug resistance through blocking PI3K-Akt and MAPK-ERK pathways in human gastric carcinoma.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.175-180
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• 2019

Torilis Japonica (TJ) has been used as an anti-allergy, antifungal, and antibacterial agent. Recent studies have reported that it also shows anti-cancer effects. It is report that TJ inhibits melanin synthesis in melanocyte in the skin. However, the effect and mechanism of TJ extract (TJE) on Ultraviolet (UV)B-induced photoaging are unknown. In this study, we investigated the preventive effects of TJE on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-3 expressions and the underlying molecular mechanism in UVB-irradiated primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). The effect of TJE on HDF cell viability was determined using the XTT assay and cell counting. MMP-1 and MMP-3 expressions levels were measured by western blotting and real-time PCR analysis. Activations of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKinase), nuclear $factor-{\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$), and activator protein-1(AP-1) were measured by western blotting. Our results showed that TJE effectively reduced UVB-induced MMP-1 and MMP-3 protein and mRNA levels. Moreover, TJE significantly blocked the UVB-induced activation of MAPK (p38 and JNK) and transcription factors ($NF-{\kappa}B$ and AP-1), but not ERK. Taken together, our results suggest that the TJE inhibits UVB-induced MMP expressions in HDFs and its may be a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of skin photoaging.