• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제29권1호
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• pp.1-12
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• 2002

Objective: In order to acquire the technique for the establishment of human embryonic stem cells (ESe) derived from the human frozen-thawed embryos produced in IVF-ET program, this study was performed to establish mouse ESC derived from the in vitro fertilized embryos. Materials and Methods: After Fl hybrid (C57BL female $\times$ CBA mael) female mice were superovulated with PMSG and hCG treatment, their oocytes were retrieved and inseminated, and the fertilized embryos were cultured for 96-120 hours until the expected stages of blastocysts were obtained. To isolate the inner cell mass (ICM), either the blastocysts were treated with immunosurgery, or the whole embryos were cultured for 4 days. Isolated ICMs were then cultured onto STO feeder cell layer, and the resultant ICM colonies were subcultured with trypsin-EDTA treatment. During the subculture process, ESC-like cell colonies were observed with phase contrast microscopy. To identify ESC in the subcultured ESC-like cell colonies, alkaline phosphatase activity and Oct-4 (octamer-binding transcription factor-4) expression were examined by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR, respectively. To examine the spontaneous differentiation, ESC-like cell colonies were cultured without STO feeder cell layer and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Results: Seven ESC-like cell lines were established from ICMs isolated from the in vitro fertilized embryos. According to the developmental stage, the growth of ICMs isolated from the expanded blastocysts was significantly better than that of ICMs isolated from the hatched blastocysts (80.3% vs. 58.7%, p<0.05). ESC-like cell colonies were only obtained from ICMs of expanded blastocysts. However, the ICMs isolated from the embryos treated with immunosurgery were poorly grown and frequently differentiated during the culture process. The established ESC-like cell colonies were positively stained with alkaline phosphatase and expressed Oct-4, and their morphology resembled that observed in the previously reported mouse ESC. In addition, following the extended in vitro culture process, they maintained their expression of cell surface markers characteristic of the pluripotent stem cells such as alkaline phosphatase and Oct-4. When cultured without STO feeder cell layer and LIF, they were spontaneously differentiated into the various types of cells. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the establishment of mouse ESC can be successfully derived from the in vitro fertilized embryos. The established ESC-like cells expressed the cell surface markers characteristic of the pluripotent stem cells and spontaneously differentiated into the various types of cells.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.283-292
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• 2009

목 적: 인간 배아줄기세포 (human embryonic stem cells; hESCs)는 체외에서 오랫동안 증식할 수 있으며, 모든 종류의 세포로 분화할 수 있는 능력을 가진 세포이다. 그러므로, 인간 배아줄기세포는 세포치료의 세포공급원의 역할을 할 수 있을 것으로 기대를 모으고 있다. 인간 배아줄기세포로의 외래 유전자의 도입은 분화경로 규명 및 특정 유전자의 기능 규명 등에 효과적으로 이용될 수 있다. 본 연구에서는 렌티 바이러스를 이용하여 eGFP 유전자를 XY와 XX 핵형을 가진 인간 배아줄기세포주에 도입하고자 하였다. 연구방법: 렌티 바이러스를 이용하여 eGFP 유전자를 인간 배아줄기세포에 도입하였다. 도입된 eGFP의 발현은 형광현미경을 이용하여 확인하였으며, 유세포 분석을 통하여 eGFP 발현세포의 비율을 분석하였다. 또한, eGFP가 도입된 인간 배아줄기세포에서 표지인자인 Oct4, SSEA4 및 Tra-1-81의 발현을 확인하였으며, 배아체의 형성 여부를 확인하여 특성분석을 수행하였다. 결 과: eGFP는 인간 배아줄기세포로 성공적으로 도입되었다. eGFP의 발현은 40 계대 이상 안정적으로 지속되었다. eGFP를 발현하는 인간 배아줄기세포는 eGFP 도입 후에도, 배아줄기세포의 특성을 유지하고 있음이 확인되었다. 또한, 자연적 분화 동안 발현이 감소하는 현상이 관찰되었다. 결 론: 본 연구에서는 렌티 바이러스를 이용하여 eGFP가 도입된 인간 배아줄기세포주를 확립하였으며, 그 특성이 유지되고 있음을 확인하였다. 표지 유전자가 도입된 인간 배아줄기세포주는 분화 및 다른 연구에 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제19권8호
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• pp.1164-1169
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• 2009

비정상적 DNA메칠화는 암 발생에 있어 중요한 역할을 한다. 최근 연구에 의하면 암줄기세포 유지에 있어 DNA과메칠화가 연관되어 있다고 보고하고 있다. 따라서 본 연구는 4T1 유방암 실험모델에서 demethylating agent인 AZA 처리에 따른 후성유전적 변화가 암줄기세포의 유지 및 증식에 있어 어떠한 영향을 미치는지 조사 하였다. 4T1 세포에서 AZA 처리에 따른 tumorsphere 형성이 감소 하는 것을 in vitro 실험을 통해 관찰 하였고, in vivo 실험에서는 줄기세포 조절 유전자들 (Oct-4, Nanog. Sox2)의 발현이 감소 되는 것을 확인 하였다. 본 연구 결과로 볼 때 4T1 유방암 실험모델에서 AZA에 의한 후성유전적 변화는 줄기세포 조절 유전자(SRG)들의 발현을 조절하면서 암줄기세포 특성을 변화시켜 암줄기세포의 증식 및 유지를 억제 할 것으로 사료된다. 향후 이러한 DNA 메칠화 억제를 항암치료에 응용하면, 암줄기세포를 파괴함으로써 암의 재발 및 악성화를 효과적으로 제어 할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제38권2호
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• pp.79-84
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• 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are approximately 22 nucleotides of small noncoding RNAs that control gene expression at the posttranscriptional level through translational inhibition and destabilization of their target mRNAs. The miRNAs are phylogenetically conserved and have been shown to be instrumental in a wide variety of key biological processes including cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, metabolism, imprinting, and differentiation. Recently, a paper has shown that expression of the miRNA-302/367 cluster expressed abundantly in mouse and human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can directly reprogram mouse and human somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) efficiently in the absence of any of the four factors, Oct4, Sox2, c-Myc, and Klf4. To apply this efficient method to porcine, we analyzed porcine genomic sequence containing predicted porcine miRNA-302/367 cluster through ENSEMBL database, generated a non-replicative episomal vector system including miRNA-302/367 cluster originated from porcine embryonic fibroblasts (PEF), and tried to make porcine iPSCs by transfection of the miRNA-302/367 cluster. Colonies expressing EGFP and forming compact shape were found, but they were not established as iPSC lines. Our data in this study show that pig miRNA-302/367 cluster could not satisfy requirement of PEF reprogramming conditions for pluripotency. To make pig iPSC lines by miRNA, further studies on the role of miRNAs in pluripotency and new trials of transfection with conventional reprogramming factors are needed.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.291-295
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• 2010

The onset, severity, and ultimate outcome of malaria infection are influenced by parasite-expressed virulence factors and individual host responses to these determinants, In both humans and mice, liver injury is involved after parasite entry, which persists until the erythrocyte stage after infection with the fatal strain Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has strong anti-apoptotic effects in various kinds of cells, and also has diverse metabolic functions. In this work, Pf-subtilisin-like protease 2 (Pf-Sub2) 5' untranslated region (UTR) was analyzed and its transcriptional activity was estimated by luciferase expression. Fourteen TATA boxes were observed but only one Oct-1 and c-Myb were done. In addition, host HGF interaction with Pf-Sub2 was evaluated by co-transfection of HGF- and Pf-Sub2-cloned vector. Interestingly, -1,422/+12 UTR exhibited the strongest luciferase activity but -329 to + 12 UTR did not exhibit luciferase activity. Moreover, as compared with the control of unexpressed HGF, the HGF protein suppressed luciferase expression driven by the 5' untranslated region of the Pf-Sub2 promoter. Taken together, it is suggested that HGF controls and interacts with the promoter region of the Pf-Sub2 gene.

• 대한간호학회지
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.620-635
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• 1992

This study identified correlations between perceived family support and hopelessness in patients admitted to Neuro - surgical Intensive Care Units. The purpose was to enhance theoretical understanding of the relationships of these two variables. The subjects of this study were 51 patients admitted to N-lCU, at three general hospitals in Seoul. Data were collected by researcher in structured interviews from Aug. 12 to Oct. 13, 1992. The research tools were parts of the Moos Family Environment Scale and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. The general characteristic data were analyzed for frequency and percentage ; the hypothesis was tested by the pearson product Moment Correlation Coefficient. After normality tests by using Kolmogorov - Sminorvtest, and T- test, ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal -Wallis test were used on the Family Support and the Hopelessness about general charcteristics. The results of the above analysis were as follows 1) The average family support score for the group was 63.61 (tool average 51) and item average was 3.74 (tool item average 3) : the family support score of this sample was higher than average. The average family cohesion score of family support was 35.25 (tool average 27) and item average was 3.91 (tool item average 3). The average family expression score of family support was 28.35 (tool average 24) and item average was 3.57 (tool average 3). In this sample, perceived family expression was lower than family cohesion. 2) The average hopelessness score was 45.88 (tool average 60) and item average was 2.29 (tool item average 3) : the hopelessness score of this sample was low in comparison to the average. 3) The hypothesis in this study was supported. The main hypothesis that the higher the perceived family support level, the lower the level Of the hopelessness, was Supported (r＝-.3869 p＝.003). The sub-hypothesis that the higher the perceived family cohesion level, the lower the level of hopelessness, was supported(r＝-.3688 p＝.004). The sub-hypothesis that the higher the perceived family expression level, the lower the level of hopelessness, was supported (r＝-.3068 p＝.014). 4) General characteristics of the objects related to family support were ‘economic status’(p＝.025) and ‘helping person’(P＝.044) : the higher the economic status, the greater the family support. When the patient identified the helping person as a spouse, family support was rated more highly. The only general characteristic related to family cohesion was ‘helping person’(p＝.041). No general characteristics were related to family expression. 5) The one general characteristic related to hopelessness was ‘education’(p＝.002) : the higher their education, the lower their hopelessness. For these ICU patients, were related perceived family support and hopelessness, and family expression level was low in comparison to family cohesion level. The perceived family support of these seriously ill patients in situational crisis may have influenced the patient's emotional reaction of hopelessness. This study concluded that nurses in the ICU confirm the family support of the patient, and involve the family as the most intimate support systems in the care of the patient to help reduce the patient's hopelessness.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제39권12호
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• pp.898-908
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• 2016

Despite recent groundbreaking advances in multiple myeloma (MM) treatment, most MM patients ultimately experience relapse, and the relapse biology is not entirely understood. To define altered gene expression in MM relapse, gene expression profiles were examined and compared among 16 MM patients grouped by 12 months progression-free survival (PFS) after autologous stem cell transplantation. To maximize the difference between prognostic groups, patients at each end of the PFS spectrum (the four with the shortest PFS and four with the longest PFS) were chosen for additional analyses. We discovered that integrin-${\alpha}8$ (ITGA8) is highly expressed in MM patients with early relapse. The integrin family is well known to be involved in MM progression; however, the role of integrin-${\alpha}8$ is largely unknown. We functionally overexpressed integrin-${\alpha}8$ in MM cell lines, and surprisingly, stemness features including $HIF1{\alpha}$, VEGF, OCT4, and Nanog, as well as epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related phenotypes, including N-cadherin, Slug, Snail and CXCR4, were induced. These, consequently, enhanced migration and invasion abilities, which are crucial to MM pathogenesis. Moreover, the gain of integrin-${\alpha}8$ expression mediated drug resistance against melphalan and bortezomib, which are the main therapeutic agents in MM. The cBioPortal genomic database revealed that ITGA8 have significant tendency to co-occur with PDGFRA and PDGFRB and their mRNA expression were up-regulated in ITGA8 overexpressed MM cells. In summary, integrin-${\alpha}8$, which was up-regulated in MM of early relapse, mediates EMT-like phenotype, enhancing migration and invasion; therefore, it could serve as a potential marker of MM relapse and be a new therapeutic target.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제28권4호
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• pp.247-252
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• 2004

Human embryonic stem (ES) cells are derived from the inner cell mass of the preimplantation embryo. Human ES cells have the capacity to differentiate into various types of cells in the body. Human ES cells are indefinite source of cells for cell therapy in various degenerative disorders including neuronal disorders. Directed differentiation of human ES cells is a prerequisite for their clinical application. The objective of this study is to develop the culture condition for the derivation of neural precursor cells from human ES cells. Neural precursor cells were derived from human ES cells in a stepwise culture condition. Neural precursor cells in the form of neural rosette structures developed into neurospheres when cultured in suspension. Suspension culture of neurospheres has been maintained over 4 months. Expressions of nestin, soxl, sox2, pax3 and pax6 transcripts were upregulated during differentiation into neural precursor cells by RT-PCR analysis. In contrast, expression of oct4 was dramatically downregulated in neural precursor cells. Immunocytochemical analyses of neural precursor cells demonstrated expression of nestin and SOX1. When induced to differentiate on an adhesive substrate, neuro-spheres were able to differentiate into three lineages of neural systems, including neurons, astrocytes and oligo-dendrocytes. Transcripts of sox1 and pax6 were downregulated during differentiation of neural precursor cells into neurons. In contrast, expression of map2ab was elevated in the differentiated cells, relative to those in neural precursor cells. Neurons derived from neural precursor cells expressed NCAM, Tuj1, MAP2ab, NeuN and NF200 in immunocytochemical analyses. Presence of astrocytes was confirmed by expression of GFAP immuno-cytochemically. Oligodendrocytes were also observed by positive immuno-reactivities against oligodendrocyte marker O1. Results of this study demonstrate that a stepwise culture condition is developed for the derivation of neural precursor cells from human ES cells.

• 생약학회지
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• 제53권1호
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• pp.21-28
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• 2022

Sparassis crispa is an edible mushroom that has been widely utilized in Japan and Korea. It has various biological activities, such as anti-hypertensive, anti-allergic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and anti-cancer effects. In this study, we investigated the anticancer activity and underlying molecular mechanism of chloroform fraction of methanol extract of S. crispa (CESP) against cervical cancer stem cells (CSCs), which contribute to tumor initiation, recurrence, and resistance to therapy of human cervical cancer. CESP effectively inhibited the proliferation, tumorsphere formation, and migration of HeLa-derived cervical CSCs by promoting apoptosis. In addition, CESP significantly downregulated the expression of key cancer stemness markers, including integrin α6, CD133, CD44, ALDH1A1, Nanog, Oct-4, and Sox-2, in HeLa-derived cervical CSCs. Furthermore, CESP remarkably suppressed in vivo tumor growth of HeLa-derived cervical CSCs in a chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Therefore, our findings suggest that CESP has potential as a natural medicine for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer by targeting CSCs.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제24권6호
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• pp.989-995
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• 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Taeeumjowuitanggagam-bang(TJV) on the mRNA expression of adipocytokines (TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6), and SREBPs. Mice were divided into 4 groups ; a normal group of db/+ mice, a control group of db/db mice, a group (db/db mice) treated with TJV 200 mg/kg, and a group (db/db mouse) treated with TJV 500 mg/kg. They were treated orally with TJV and measured their body weight every other day during 9 weeks. After that, we measured the mRNA expression of adipocytokines (TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6) and SREBPs (SREBE-1a and SREBP-1c) in liver, and blood concentration of total cholesterol, triglyceride, too. In addition, liver samples were fixed in 4% PFA for 2 hours and stored in $-70^{\circ}C$. Liver tissues were embedded in Optical cutting temperature(OCT) compound and 30 ${\mu}m$ sections were cut. Tissue sections were stained Oil-Red-O to visualize neutral lipids. Nuclei were stained with hematoxylin solution. In result, the TJV reduced the mRNA expressions of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 and SREBPs in liver and stained liver tissue less red than control group. However, there was no significant differences in total cholestreol and triglyceride blood concentration and body weight among groups. The TJV has inhibitory effect on the mRNA expression of adipocytokines and SREBPs. Therefore, it is assumed that the TJV is related to inhibiting lipogenesis in the liver