• Title/Summary/Keyword: Mitochondrial DNA

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Genetic Diversity of Taenia asiatica from Thailand and Other Geographical Locations as Revealed by Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit 1 Sequences

  • Anantaphruti, Malinee Thairungroj;Thaenkham, Urusa;Watthanakulpanich, Dorn;Phuphisut, Orawan;Maipanich, Wanna;Yoonuan, Tippayarat;Nuamtanong, Supaporn;Pubampen, Somjit;Sanguankiat, Surapol
    • Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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    • v.51 no.1
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    • pp.55-59
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    • 2013
  • Twelve 924 bp cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) mitochondrial DNA sequences from Taenia asiatica isolates from Thailand were aligned and compared with multiple sequence isolates from Thailand and 6 other countries from the GenBank database. The genetic divergence of T. asiatica was also compared with Taenia saginata database sequences from 6 different countries in Asia, including Thailand, and 3 countries from other continents. The results showed that there were minor genetic variations within T. asiatica species, while high intraspecies variation was found in T. saginata. There were only 2 haplotypes and 1 polymorphic site found in T. asiatica, but 8 haplotypes and 9 polymorphic sites in T.saginata. Haplotype diversity was very low, 0.067, in T. asiatica and high, 0.700, in T. saginata. The very low genetic diversity suggested that T. asiatica may be at a risk due to the loss of potential adaptive alleles, resulting in reduced viability and decreased responses to environmental changes, which may endanger the species.

Purpurogallin Protects Keratinocytes from Damage and Apoptosis Induced by Ultraviolet B Radiation and Particulate Matter 2.5

  • Zhen, Ao Xuan;Piao, Mei Jing;Hyun, Yu Jae;Kang, Kyoung Ah;Ryu, Yea Seong;Cho, Suk Ju;Kang, Hee Kyoung;Koh, Young Sang;Ahn, Mee Jung;Kim, Tae Hoon;Hyun, Jin Won
    • Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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    • v.27 no.4
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    • pp.395-403
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    • 2019
  • Purpurogallin, a natural phenol obtained from oak nutgalls, has been shown to possess antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. Recently, in addition to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation that induces cell apoptosis via oxidative stress, particulate matter 2.5 ($PM_{2.5}$) was shown to trigger excessive production of reactive oxygen species. In this study, we observed that UVB radiation and $PM_{2.5}$ severely damaged human HaCaT keratinocytes, disrupting cellular DNA, lipids, and proteins and causing mitochondrial depolarization. Purpurogallin protected HaCaT cells from apoptosis induced by UVB radiation and/or $PM_{2.5}$. Furthermore, purpurogallin effectively modulates the pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins under UVB irradiation via caspase signaling pathways. Additionally, purpurogallin reduced apoptosis via MAPK signaling pathways, as demonstrated using MAPK-p38, ERK, and JNK inhibitors. These results indicate that purpurogallin possesses antioxidant effects and protects cells from damage and apoptosis induced by UVB radiation and $PM_{2.5}$.

Molecular Identification and Morphological Descriptions of the Eggs, Larvae and Juvenile of the Previously Unrecorded Species Acanthaphritis unoorum (Perciformes, Percophidae) in Korean Waters (한국산 1미기록종, Acanthaphritis unoorum (농어목, 꼬리점눈퉁이과)의 어란 및 자치어의 분자동정 및 형태기재)

  • Heo, Sung-Hyun;Ban, Tae Woo;Kim, Jin-Koo;Ji, Hwan-Sung;Moon, Seong Yong
    • Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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    • v.52 no.1
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    • pp.67-73
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    • 2019
  • We presented detailed morphological descriptions of the eggs, larvae and juvenile of Acanthaphritis unoorum based on specimens collected with bongo nets from Korean waters during the period May 2017-July 2018. We collected 18 individuals including eggs (n= 4, 0.77-0.85 mm in egg diameter), preflexion larvae (n= 6, 4.11-6.31 mm in standard length, SL), flexion larvae (n= 4, 6.60-7.82 mm SL), postflexion larvae (n= 3, 8.94-13.46 mm SL), and one juvenile (n= 1, 14.67 mm SL). The mitochondrial (mt) DNA 16S rRNA sequences of the eggs, and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences of the larvae were identical to those of A. unoorum adults (genetic distances <0.01). The A. unoorum larvae and the juvenile that we collected were morphologically similar to those of Dactylopsaron dimorphicum, but the A. unoorum specimens were readily distinguishable by the presence of lateral melanophores. This is the first record of A. unoorum in Korean waters. We propose a new Korean name for A. unoorum: "O-ri-bu-ri-nuntung-i".

Coenzyme Q10, oxidative stress, and male infertility: A review

  • Alahmar, Ahmed T.;Calogero, Aldo E.;Singh, Rajender;Cannarella, Rossella;Sengupta, Pallav;Dutta, Sulagna
    • Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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    • v.48 no.2
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    • pp.97-104
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    • 2021
  • Male infertility has a complex etiopathology, which mostly remains elusive. Although research has claimed that oxidative stress (OS) is the most likely underlying mechanism of idiopathic male infertility, the specific treatment of OS-mediated male infertility requires further investigation. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a vitamin-like substance, has been found in measurable levels in human semen. It exhibits essential metabolic and antioxidant functions, as well as playing a vital role in mitochondrial bioenergetics. Thus, CoQ10 may be a key player in the maintenance of biological redox balance. CoQ10 concentrations in seminal plasma directly correlate with semen parameters, especially sperm count and sperm motility. Seminal CoQ10 concentrations have been shown to be altered in various male infertility states, such as varicocele, asthenozoospermia, and medical or surgical regimens used to treat male infertility. These observations imply that CoQ10 plays an important physiological role in the maintenance and amelioration of semen quality. The present article thereby aimed to review the possible mechanisms through which CoQ10 plays a role in the regulation of male reproductive function, and to concisely discuss its efficacy as an ameliorative agent in restoring semen parameters in male infertility, as well as its impact on OS markers, sperm DNA fragmentation, pregnancy, and assisted reproductive technology outcomes.

The Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response Mediates Shikonin-Induced Apoptosis of 5-Fluorouracil-Resistant Colorectal Cancer Cells

  • Piao, Mei Jing;Han, Xia;Kang, Kyoung Ah;Fernando, Pincha Devage Sameera Madushan;Herath, Herath Mudiyanselage Udari Lakmini;Hyun, Jin Won
    • Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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    • v.30 no.3
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    • pp.265-273
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    • 2022
  • Resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs is a significant problem in the treatment of colorectal cancer, resulting in low response rates and decreased survival. Recent studies have shown that shikonin, a naphthoquinone derivative, promotes apoptosis in colon cancer cells and cisplatin-resistant ovarian cells, raising the possibility that this compound may be effective in drug-resistant colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to characterize the molecular mechanisms underpinning shikonin-induced apoptosis, with a focus on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, in a 5-fluorouracil-resistant colorectal cancer cell line, SNU-C5/5-FUR. Our results showed that shikonin significantly increased the proportion of sub-G1 cells and DNA fragmentation and that shikonin-induced apoptosis is mediated by mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation. Shikonin treatment also increased the expression of ER-related proteins, such as glucose regulatory protein 78 (GRP78), phospho-protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), phospho-eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α), phospho-phosphoinositol-requiring protein-1 (IRE1), spliced X-box-binding protein-1 (XBP-1), cleaved caspase-12, and C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP). In addition, siRNA-mediated knockdown of CHOP attenuated shikonin-induced apoptosis, as did the ER stress inhibitor TUDCA. These data suggest that ER stress is a key factor mediating the cytotoxic effect of shikonin in SNU-C5/5-FUR cells. Our findings provide an evidence for a mechanism in which ER stress leads to apoptosis in shikonin-treated SNU-C5/5-FUR cells. Our study provides evidence to support further investigations on shikonin as a therapeutic option for 5-fluorouracil-resistant colorectal cancer.

SMAD4 Controls Cancer Cell Metabolism by Regulating Methylmalonic Aciduria Cobalamin Deficiency (cbl) B Type

  • Song, Kyoung;Lee, Hun Seok;Jia, Lina;Chelakkot, Chaithanya;Rajasekaran, Nirmal;Shin, Young Kee
    • Molecules and Cells
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    • v.45 no.6
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    • pp.413-424
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    • 2022
  • Suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (SMAD) 4 is a pluripotent signaling mediator that regulates myriad cellular functions, including cell growth, cell division, angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell invasion, and metastasis, through transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-dependent and -independent pathways. SMAD4 is a critical modulator in signal transduction and functions primarily as a transcription factor or cofactor. Apart from being a DNA-binding factor, the additional SMAD4 mechanisms in tumor suppression remain elusive. We previously identified methyl malonyl aciduria cobalamin deficiency B type (MMAB) as a critical SMAD4 binding protein using a proto array analysis. This study confirmed the interaction between SMAD4 and MMAB using bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay, proximity ligation assay (PLA), and conventional immunoprecipitation. We found that transient SMAD4 overexpression down-regulates MMAB expression via a proteasome-dependent pathway. SMAD4-MMAB interaction was independent of TGF-β signaling. Finally, we determined the effect of MMAB downregulation on cancer cells. siRNA-mediated knockdown of MMAB affected cancer cell metabolism in HeLa cells by decreasing ATP production and glucose consumption as well as inducing apoptosis. These findings suggest that SMAD4 controls cancer cell metabolism by regulating MMAB.

Developmental characteristics and genetic diversity of the two-spotted cricket Gryllus bimaculatus De Geer, 1773 (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) in South Korea

  • Gyu-Dong, Chang;Su Hyun, Yum;Jeong-Hun, Song
    • International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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    • v.45 no.2
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    • pp.115-125
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    • 2022
  • In this study, we investigated the developmental characteristics and genetic diversity of seven populations of two-spotted crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus De Geer, 1773 (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)) raised in South Korea. Regarding the developmental characteristics of the species, we observed no statistically significant difference in the weight of the nymphs in the six populations we tested. After molting, although weight differences were observed between the populations in each stage of the developmental period, the average weight for each developmental stage was constant. We also analyzed mitochondrial COI gene sequences (DNA barcoding region) of the reared crickets collected from five insect farms and two national insect rearing facilities and the resultant sequences were analyzed together with the 12 sequences from foreign countries specimens obtained from public data. We detected six haplotypes from 111 specimens, indicating a low intraspecific genetic distance (~1.8%). The most dominant haplotype was overwhelmingly haplotype 1, which was found in all South Korean specimens and four specimens from China, Indonesia, and Germany. These findings indicate that the low genetic diversity of South Korean specimens can be explained by the fact that the G. bimaculatus population imported for feed from Japan in the early 2000s became a maternal group that spread throughout cricket farms in South Korea. In order to breed healthy cricket strains, it is necessary to increase genetic diversity by importing them from other countries through appropriate quarantine procedures.

A New Record of the Genus Areotetes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Opiinae) from Korea (한국산 미기록속 Areotetes (벌목: 고치벌과: 꽃파리고치벌아과)에 대한 보고)

  • Han, Yunjong;Sohn, JuHyeong;Lim, Jongok;Kim, Hyojoong
    • Korean journal of applied entomology
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    • v.61 no.2
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    • pp.307-311
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    • 2022
  • The genus Areotetes van Achterberg & Li, 2013 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Opiinae), which is endoparasitoid of mining or infesting of fruit dipterous larvae, have been reported for the first time in China. Currently, four species of the genus Areotetes have been known from the province Hunan and Fujian, China. In this study the genus Areotetes with Areotetes carinuliferus van Achterberg & Li, 2013 is reported for the first time from Korea. Material studied in the present study were collected by sweeping in Mt Gongchi, Eochungdo, Province Jeonbuk, Korea. Herein, diagnosis of genus, description, distribution, and diagnostic illustration of A. carinuliferus are provided. In addition, DNA barcode data of the partial gene of mitochondrial cytochorome c oxidase subunit I (COI) are included.

Taxonomic Review of a Rare Butterfly Ray Gymnura japonica (Gymnuridae, Chondrichthyes), in Korea (한국의 희귀 나비가오리[Gymnura japonica (나비가오리과, 연골어강)]의 분류학적 재검토)

  • Kim, Jin-Koo;Ryu, Jung-Hwa;Jang, Seo-Ha;Han, Kyeong-Ho;Kim, Byeong-Yeob
    • Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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    • v.55 no.1
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    • pp.30-36
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    • 2022
  • We collected a total of four butterfly ray specimens (Gymnura japonica, 213.4-695.0 mm in total length) in Korea from 2016 to 2021 and investigated their morphological and molecular characteristics in order to clarify their taxonomic status. These features are summarized as follows. Disc lozenge-shaped, 1.8-2.0 times broader than long. Tail very short, post-cloaca length 23.9-28.2% in disc width. Snout short, no rostral cartilage. Clasper short, no hook. Dorsal surface uniform yellow or brownish grey, with or without rounded light yellow spots. An analysis of 434 base-pair sequences of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I showed that all four specimens corresponded to G. japonica from Japan (Kimura-2-parameter distance = 0-0.2%), suggesting that the color patterns found may be due to intraspecific color variation. G. japonica resembles Gymnura poecilura but differs in that it has a shorter tail length to disc width (23.9-28.2% in G. japonica vs. 40.1-48.3% in G. poecilura). This study revealed that G. japonica occurred in areas affected by the Tsushima Warm Current, tentatively suggesting that G. japonica may be an indicator species for monitoring marine ecosystem changes due to climate change.

Exosomes: Nomenclature, Isolation, and Biological Roles in Liver Diseases

  • Seol Hee Park;Eun Kyeong Lee;Joowon Yim;Min Hoo Lee;Eojin Lee;Young-Sun Lee;Wonhyo Seo
    • Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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    • v.31 no.3
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    • pp.253-263
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    • 2023
  • The biogenesis and biological roles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the progression of liver diseases have attracted considerable attention in recent years. EVs are membrane-bound nanosized vesicles found in different types of body fluids and contain various bioactive materials, including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and mitochondrial DNA. Based on their origin and biogenesis, EVs can be classified as apoptotic bodies, microvesicles, and exosomes. Among these, exosomes are the smallest EVs (30-150 nm in diameter), which play a significant role in cell-to-cell communication and epigenetic regulation. Moreover, exosomal content analysis can reveal the functional state of the parental cell. Therefore, exosomes can be applied to various purposes, including disease diagnosis and treatment, drug delivery, cell-free vaccines, and regenerative medicine. However, exosome-related research faces two major limitations: isolation of exosomes with high yield and purity and distinction of exosomes from other EVs (especially microvesicles). No standardized exosome isolation method has been established to date; however, various exosome isolation strategies have been proposed to investigate their biological roles. Exosome-mediated intercellular communications are known to be involved in alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease development. Damaged hepatocytes or nonparenchymal cells release large numbers of exosomes that promote the progression of inflammation and fibrogenesis through interactions with neighboring cells. Exosomes are expected to provide insight on the progression of liver disease. Here, we review the biogenesis of exosomes, exosome isolation techniques, and biological roles of exosomes in alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.