• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• 제20권2호
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• pp.39-45
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• 2023

As advanced sequencing technologies continue to uncover an increasing number of variants in genes associated with human genetic diseases, there is a growing demand for systematic approaches to assess the impact of these variants on human development, health, and disease. While in silico analyses have provided valuable insights, it is essential to complement these findings with model organism studies to determine the functional consequences of genetic variants in vivo. Drosophila melanogaster is an excellent genetic model for such functional studies due to its efficient genetic technologies, high gene conservation with humans, accessibility to mutant fly resources, short life cycles, and cost-effectiveness. The traditional GAL4-UAS system, allowing precise control of gene expression through binary regulation, is frequently employed to assess the effects of monoallelic variants. Recombinase medicated cassette exchange or CRISPR-Cas9-mediated GAL4 insertion within coding introns or substitution of gene body with Kozak-Gal4 result in the loss-of-function of the target gene. This GAL4 insertion strategy also enables the expression of reference complementary DNA (cDNA) or cDNA carrying genetic variants under the control of endogenous regulatory cis elements. Furthermore, the CRISPR-Cas9-directed tissue-specific knockout and cDNA rescue system provides the flexibility to investigate candidate variants in a tissue-specific and/or developmental-timing dependent manner. In this review, we will delve into the diverse genetic techniques available in Drosophila and their applications in diagnosing and studying numerous undiagnosed diseases over the past decade.

• BMB Reports
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• 제56권12호
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• pp.651-656
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• 2023

Senescence, a cellular process through which damaged or dysfunctional cells suppress the cell cycle, contributes to aging or age-related functional decline. Cell metabolism has been closely correlated with aging processes, and it has been widely recognized that metabolic changes underlie the cellular alterations that occur with aging. Here, we report that fatty acid oxidation (FAO) serves as a critical regulator of cellular senescence and uncover the underlying mechanism by which FAO inhibition induces senescence. Pharmacological or genetic ablation of FAO results in a p53-dependent induction of cellular senescence in human fibroblasts, whereas enhancing FAO suppresses replicative senescence. We found that FAO inhibition promotes cellular senescence through acetyl-CoA, independent of energy depletion. Mechanistically, increased formation of autophagosomes following FAO inhibition leads to a reduction in SIRT1 protein levels, thereby contributing to senescence induction. Finally, we found that inhibition of autophagy or enforced expression of SIRT1 can rescue the induction of senescence as a result of FAO inhibition. Collectively, our study reveals a distinctive role for the FAO-autophagy-SIRT1 axis in the regulation of cellular senescence.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• 제48권2호
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• pp.59-66
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• 2024

The mature Bombyx mori silkworm is recognized as a rich source of several nutrients. A unique steaming process has been developed to enhance the palatability of Bombyx mori silkworm and make it more convenient to consume. Additionally, it has also been freeze-dried into a powder form, which is recognized as a nutritional supplement with many health benefits. Steamed and Freeze-dried Mature Silkworm Powder (SMSP) is said to offer a wide range of benefits, including longevity, improved athletic performance, prevention of alcohol-induced liver fibrosis or tumors, amelioration of fatty liver, prevention of peptic ulcers, regulation of melanin production, and mitigation of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases by improving cognitive function. The nutritional composition of SMSP is particularly high in glycine, alanine and serine. This review aims to summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying the diverse effects induced by these key components of SMSP. Such elucidation will enhance the credibility of future studies on SMSP, which will require more comprehensive analyses. It appears that SMSP represents a natural health supplement that could have a positive impact on global human health while increasing income.

• 한국식품과학회지
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• 제39권2호
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• pp.181-188
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• 2007

8주령의 F1B golden Syrian 햄스터에게 동맥경화 유발식이와 함께 녹차 추출물을 각각 500 혹은 1,000 mg/kg b.w.의 양을 매일 경구투여하면서 6주간 사육하였을 때 햄스터 체내의 지질대사와 대동맥 내에서의 지방의 축적 정도에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 실험 결과 녹차추출물의 경구투여는 동맥경화유발식이를 섭취하는 햄스터의 혈중 중성지방과 총콜레스테롤치를 농도의존적으로 감소시켰고, 대동맥궁내에서의 지방의 축적을 예방하였다. 특히 녹차추출물 1,000 mg/kg b.w. 투여는 동맥경화유발식이를 섭취한 햄스터에서 간장내의 LDL receptor mRNA level을 증가시키는 경향을 보였다. 이러한 결과로 볼 때 녹차 추출물의 투여는 동맥경화유발식이를 섭취한 햄스터의 혈중 콜레스테롤치를 감소시키고 LDL receptor의 발현을 증가시킴으로써 동맥경화를 예방할 수 있음을 보여주었다.

• 한국작물학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국작물학회 2017년도 9th Asian Crop Science Association conference
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• pp.124-124
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• 2017

Cadmium (Cd) is of particular concern because of its widespread occurrence and high toxicity and may cause serious morpho-physiological and molecular abnormalities in in plants. The present study was performed to explore Cd-induced morpho-physiological alterations and their potentiality associated mechanisms in Sorghum bicolor leaves at the protein level. Ten-day-old sorghum seedlings were exposed to different concentrations (0, 100, and $150{\mu}M$) of $CdCl_2$, and different morpho-physiological responses were recorded. The effects of Cd exposure on protein expression patterns in S. bicolor were investigated using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) in samples derived from the leaves of both control and Cd-treated seedlings. The observed morphological changes revealed that the plants treated with Cd displayed dramatically altered shoot lengths, fresh weights, and relative water content. In addition, the concentration of Cd was markedly increased by treatment with Cd, and the amount of Cd taken up by the shoots was significantly and directly correlated with the applied level of Cd. Using the 2-DE method, a total of 33 differentially expressed protein spots were analyzed using MALDI-TOF/TOF MS. Of these, treatment with Cd resulted in significant increases in 15 proteins and decreases in 18 proteins. Significant changes were absorbed in the levels of proteins known to be involved in carbohydrate metabolism, transcriptional regulation, translation and stress responses. Proteomic results revealed that Cd stress had an inhibitory effect on carbon fixation, ATP production and the regulation of protein synthesis. In addition, the up-regulation of glutathione S-transferase and cytochrome P450 may play a significant role in Cd-related toxicity and stress responses. Our study provides insights into the integrated molecular mechanisms involved in response to Cd and the effects of Cd on the growth and physiological characteristics of sorghum seedlings. The upregulation of these stress-related genes may be candidates for further research and use in genetic manipulation of sorghum tolerance to Cd stress.

• Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.204-209
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• 2018

Purpose: Growth hormone transduction defect (GHTD) is characterized by severe short stature, impaired STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription-3) phosphorylation and overexpression of the cytokine inducible SH2 containing protein (CIS) and p21/CIP1/WAF1. To investigate the role of p21/CIP1/WAF1 in the negative regulation of the growth hormone (GH)/GH receptor and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)/EGF Receptor pathways in GHTD. Methods: Fibroblast cultures were developed from gingival biopsies of 1 GHTD patient and 1 control. The protein expression and the cellular localization of p21/CIP1/WAF1 was studied by Western immunoblotting and immunofluorescence, respectively: at the basal state and after induction with $200-{\mu}g/L$ human GH (hGH) (GH200), either with or without siRNA CIS (siCIS); at the basal state and after inductions with $200-{\mu}g/L$ hGH (GH200), $1,000-{\mu}g/L$ hGH (GH1000) or 50-ng/mL EGF. Results: After GH200/siCIS, the protein expression and nuclear localization of p21 were reduced in the patient. After successful induction of GH signaling (control, GH200; patient, GH1000), the protein expression and nuclear localization of p21 were reduced. After induction with EGF, p21 translocated to the cytoplasm in the control, whereas in the GHTD patient it remained located in the nucleus. Conclusion: In the GHTD fibroblasts, when CIS is reduced, either after siCIS or after a higher dose of hGH (GH1000), p21's antiproliferative effect (nuclear localization) is also reduced and GH signaling is activated. There also appears to be a positive relationship between the 2 inhibitors of GH signaling, CIS and p21. Finally, in GHTD, p21 seems to participate in the regulation of both the GH and EGF/EGFR pathways, depending upon its cellular location.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제48권1호
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• pp.1-8
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• 2015

자색고구마 열수추출물의 간 보호 기능을 확인하기 위해 C57BL/6 마우스를 사용하여 시험하였다. 지방간 유도를 위해 8주간 고지방/콜레스테롤 식이를 급여하였으며, 자색고구마 열수추출물은 1.25, 2.5, 5%의 수준으로 식이에 함께 넣어 같은 기간 동안 제공하였다. 간 조직의 병리학적 분석, 혈장 ALT 활성도, 간 및 혈장의 TC 수준을 바탕으로 비알콜성 지방간 모델이 형성되었음을 확인하였다. 고지방/콜레스테롤 식이의 급여는 식이섭취량을 감소시켜 총 에너지 섭취량은 시험군간 차이가 없었으나, 포화지방을 급원으로 하였을 때 지방세포의 비대와 혈장 TC, 간 TC, 간의 지방구를 증가시키는 것으로 관찰되었다. 한편 자색고구마 열수추출물을 고지방/콜레스테롤 식이와 함께 섭취시킨 결과, 고지방/콜레스테롤 식이로 인한 지질대사 이상을 유의하게 변화시키지 못해 혈액 및 간 손상 지표를 개선시키지 못하였으나, 지방조직의 크기는 작게 유지하고 간의 지방구 형성은 억제하는 것으로 관찰되었다. 이상의 결과로 자색고구마 열수추출물은 지질대사 개선을 통해 간 보호 효과를 갖음을 알 수 있었다. 향후에는 자색고구마 열수추출물이 지방세포-간의 상호 지질대사에 미치는 영향을 추가적으로 연구해야 할 것으로 사료된다.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제28권3호
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• pp.473-481
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• 2018

Owing to its high protein secretion capacity, simple nutritional requirements, and GRAS (generally regarded as safe) status, Bacillus licheniformis is widely used as a host for the industrial production of enzymes, antibiotics, and peptides. However, as compared with its close relative Bacillus subtilis, little is known about the physiology and stress responses of B. licheniformis. To explore its temperature-stress metabolome, B. licheniformis strains ATCC 14580 and B186, with respective optimal growth temperatures of $42^{\circ}C$ and $50^{\circ}C$, were cultured at $42^{\circ}C$, $50^{\circ}C$, and $60^{\circ}C$ and their corresponding metabolic profiles were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and multivariate statistical analyses. It was found that with increased growth temperatures, the two B. licheniformis strains displayed elevated cellular levels of proline, glutamate, lysine, pentadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, heptadecanoic acid, and octadecanoic acid, and decreased levels of glutamine and octadecenoic acid. Regulation of amino acid and fatty acid metabolism is likely to be associated with the evolution of protective biochemical mechanisms of B. licheniformis. Our results will help to optimize the industrial use of B. licheniformis and other important Bacillus species.

• 한국식품위생안전성학회지
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• 제31권2호
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• pp.67-73
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• 2016

본 총설에서는 비-플라보노이드 폴리페놀인 레스베라트롤이 간, 골격근 및 지방조직에서 지질대사에 관계된 다양한 신호전달체계를 조절하여 지질 대사 효과를 유발시키는 과정에 관해 고찰하였다. 구체적으로 in vitro 연구에서 레스베라트롤은 지방생성을 줄여주고 apoptosis를 증가시켜 지방세포의 발달과정에 기인하며, 지방세포의 분화에 있어 중요한 전사인자인 $C/EBP{\beta}$, $C/EBP{\alpha}$, SREBP1c 및 $PPAR{\gamma}$의 활성을 감소시켜 항 비만 효과를 유발하는 효과가 있다는 것이 많은 논문들을 통해 증명되었다(Fig. 2). 또한, in vivo 연구에서 레스베라트롤은 지방 축적 과정을 억제하고 지질 분해 및 산화 경로를 자극하여 체지방 증가율을 감소시킨다는 것이 증명되었다. 최근 다양한 연구의 결과물(Table 2)들은 레스베라트롤이 지방생성, 지방분해, 열발생 및 지방산 산화에 관여하며 또한, 백색 지방을 갈색 지방으로 변화시키는 능력이 있다는 것을 증명하였다. 흥미롭게도 레스베라트롤은 비만뿐만이 아닌 심장발작 및 뇌졸중과 같은 다양한 대사질환을 예방하는데 도움이 되고, 결장암 및 간암 세포의 성장을 억제하는 효능이 있다는 사실이 밝혀지기도 하였다. 하지만 인간에 대한 레스베라트롤의 명확한 메커니즘을 알지 못하고 인간에게 나타나는 부작용에 관한 연구가 없기 때문에, 안전성을 확보하기 위해서는 다양한 실험모델을 이용한 레스베라트롤의 단기간 및 장기간에 대한 깊은 연구가 요구된다.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제57권3호
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• pp.8.1-8.8
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• 2015

Background: The demand for healthy, lean and consistent meat products containing low saturated fatty acid content and high quality polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially long-chain (${\geq}C_{20}$) omega-3 PUFA, has increased in recent times. Fat deposition is altered by both the genetic background and dietary supplements, and this study aimed to assess the effect of dietary Spirulina supplementation levels on the mRNA expression patterns of genes controlling lipid metabolism in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and Longissimus dorsi (ld) muscle of Australian crossbred sheep. Methods: Twenty-four weaned lambs belonging to four breeds under the same management conditions were maintained on ryegrass pasture and fed three levels of Spirulina supplement (control, low and high). In terms of nutrient composition, Spirulina is a nutrient-rich supplement that contains all essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It also is a rich source of carotenoids and fatty acids, especially gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) that infer health benefits. After slaughter, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and ld samples were subjected to mRNA extraction and reverse transcription using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to assess the mRNA expression levels of the Aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), Adrenergic beta-3 receptor (ADRB3), B-cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2) and Fatty acid synthase (FASN) genes, which are associated with lipid metabolism. Results: Both low and high Spirulina supplementation levels strongly up-regulated the transcription of all the selected genes in both SAT and ld tissues (mostly in the subcutaneous adipose), but sheep breed and sex did not influence the gene expression patterns in these tissues. Conclusions: The evidence indicates that high Spirulina supplementation level resulted in a decrease in intramuscular fat content in Australian purebred and crossbred sheep due to the enhanced production of melatonin in sheep muscle tissues and strong up-regulation of mRNA expression of BTG2 in SAT which negatively affected fat deposition. In contrast, low Spirulina supplementation level strongly up-regulated the ADRB3 and FASN genes responsible for fat production. These findings are consistent with the observed phenotypic data suggesting that low Spirulina supplementation level can increase lamb production, with higher long-chain PUFA content.