• BMB Reports
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• 제39권5호
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• pp.626-635
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• 2006

Lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAAT) is an intrinsic membrane protein that catalyzes the synthesis of phosphatidic acid (PA) from lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). It is well known that LPAAT is involved in lipid biosynthesis, while its role in tumour progression has been of emerging interest in the last few years. To date, seven members of the LPAAT gene family have been found in human. Here we report a novel LPAAT member, designated as LPAAT-theta, which was 2728 base pairs in length and contained an open reading frame (ORF) encoding 434 amino acids. The LPAAT-theta gene consisted of 12 exons and 11 introns, and mapped to chromosome 4q21.23. LPAAT-theta was ubiquitously expressed in 18 human tissues by RT-PCR analysis. Subcellular localization of LPAAT-theta-EGFP fusion protein revealed that LPAAT-theta was distributed primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of COS-7 cells. Furthermore, we found that the overexpression of LPAAT-theta can induce mTOR-dependent p70S6K phosphorylation on Thr389 and 4EBP1 phosphorylation on Ser65 in HEK293T cells.

• 한국수소및신에너지학회논문집
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.50-60
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• 2013

High temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) using phosphoric acid (PA) doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes have been concentrated as one of solutions to the limits with traditional low temperature PEMFCs. However, the amount of reported experimental data is not enough to catch the operational characteristics correlated with cell performance and durability. In this study, design of experiments (DOE) based operational optimization method for high temperature PEMFCs has been proposed. Response surface method (RSM) is very useful to effectively analyze target system's characteristics and to optimize operating conditions for a short time. Thus RSM using central composite design (CCD) as one of methodologies for design of experiments (DOE) was adopted. For this work, the statistic models which predict the performance and degradation rate with respect to the operating conditions have been developed. The developed performance and degradation models exhibit a good agreement with experimental data. Compared to the existing arbitrary operation, the expected cell lifetime and average cell performance during whole operation could be improved by optimizing operating conditions. Furthermore, the proposed optimization method could find different new optimal solutions for operating conditions if the target lifetime of the fuel cell system is changed. It is expected that the proposed method is very useful to find optimal operating conditions and enhance performance and durability for many other types of fuel cell systems.

• 한국가금학회지
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• 제46권3호
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• pp.173-183
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• 2019

조류인플루엔자 바이러스 H7 subtype에 속하는 바이러스 중 일부는 가금류에 감염할 경우 고병원성이 발휘된다. 또 H7 아형 AIV중 일부는 사람에 감염하여 사망 등을 유발할 수도 있다. 본 연구는 야생조류로부터 분리된 H7 아형 조류인플루엔자 바이러스 6주(H7N7 아형 4주, H7N1 아형 2주)를 대상으로 8개 유전자 분절 전체의 염기서열을 분석하여 병원성, 사람 감염 가능성 등 그 특성을 조사하였다. 계통유전학적 분석결과, 국내에서 분리된 H7 아형 분리주들은 8개 유전자(HA, NA, PB2, PB1, PA, NP, M, NS) 모두 Eurasian lineage로 분류되었으나, Eurasian lineage 내에서도 각기 다른 sublineage로 분류되어 유전적 다양성이 있는 것으로 분석되었다. 한국 분리주 6주는 HA 단백질 분절부위 아미노산은 두 종류(PEIPKGR 및 PELPKGR)의 motif를 가지고 있었으나, 모두 저병원성 바이러스 특성을 가지고 있었다. 숙주세포 결합 특이성과 관련 있는 HA 단백질 receptor-binding site를 분석한 결과, 한국 분리주 모두는 사람 세포 수용체 결합특이성보다는 조류 세포 수용체 결합 특이성을 가지는 것으로 나타났다. 사람 감염 가능성을 높게 하는 부위에서의 아미노산 치환(PB2 단백질의 E627K 및 PB1단백질의 I368V)도 나타나지 않았고, 또한 NA stalk region에서의 결손도 관찰되지 않았다. 이상의 결과를 미루어 볼 때 한국 야생조류에서 분리된 H7 아형 6주 모두는 저병원성 바이러스로 최근 중국에서 사람 감염이 나타나고 있는 H7N9 바이러스와는 유전적으로 다른 계열의 바이러스인 것으로 판단된다.

• 대한한방종양학회지
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• 제4권1호
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• pp.17-36
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• 1998

This experimental study was carried out to evaluate the effects of Hwallakhyoreungdan on angiogenic inhibition mechanism. In order to investigate the effects of Hwallakhyoreungdan on angiogenic inhibition mechanism, MTT assay, cell adhesive inhibition effect, DNA fragmantaion analysis, Nuclear condensation assay, FACScan analysis, Angiogenic lumen formation assay, Immunocytochemistry analysis, RT-PCR for mRNA expression, Western blot analysis and Confocal analysis for $Ca^{2+}$ change were performed. The results were summarized as follows: 1. The cell adhesive inhibition ability was strong from $5{\mu}g/ml$. 2. The $G_0/G_1$ arrest peak was existed on ECV304 cell-line. 3. The cells on Collagen plate were inhibition of proliferation and inducement of apoptosis by HR water extract. 4. Angiogenic lumen formation was inhibited by HR water extract. 5. LFA-1 and ELAM-1's expression were inhibited by HR water extract. They are commenly participation on inflammation and tumor regeneration. 6. The expression of MMP-9 and uPA were inhibited by HR water extract. 7. The expression of integrin ${\alpha}_v{\beta}_3$ was inhibited by HR water extract. 8. The expression of intracellular molecule were successively inhibited by HR water extract therefore the proliferation of ECV304 cell line was stopped and apoptosis was induced. 9. The change of $Ca^{2+}$ was decreased by HR water extract it cause confusion of signal transduction pathway therefore it was take part in apoptosis. According to the results, Hwallakhyoreungdan showed to be a key antaonist of integrin ${\alpha}_v{\beta}_3$, and to be induction of apoptosis by p53 through flow cytometry. This report also demonstrated that expressions of MMP-9 and uPA was blocked under the angiogenesis model. Thus, we suggests that Hwallakhyoreungdan blocks angiogenesis by inducing apoptosis of ECV304 and ECVPAR cell lines and another oriental herbal medicine that treats blood-stasis type also has angiogenic inhibition effects.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.121-130
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• 1994

Expression of gonadotropin releasing hormone(GnRH) has been described in the rat ovary. It remains, however, unkown whether GnRH is synthesized as a prohormone. Therefore, this study was performed to verify the expression of pro-GnRH by in situ hybridization and further to investigate the effect of gonadotropin on GnRH or GnRH mRNA in rat ovary by immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization techniques. Adult female Sprague-Dawely rats were used and the estrous cycle was synchronized by intraperitoneal injection of pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin(PMSG). Ovaries were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde and embedded with G.C.T. compound and cut by cryostat. For immunohistochemistry, avidin-biotin peroxidase complex(ABS) method was employed and for in situ hybridization, $^{35}S$-end labeled oligonucleotide was used and followed by autoradiography. By in situ hybridization using GnRH oligomer and GAP(GnRH associated protein) oligomer, GnRH mRNA and GAP mRNA were co-localized in the fullicular cells, luteal cells, interstitial cells and theca cells. GnRH or GnRH mRNA signals in the ovary increased by human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG) injection. At the 3 and 6 hrs after hCG injection, the number of GnRH and GnRH mRNA containing cells increased rapidly and the density of GnRH and GnRH mRHA culminated at 9 hrs after heG injection. With the follicular development, the high expression of GnRH and GnRH mRNA was also observed within the follicles. After ovulation, the density of GnRH or GnRH mRNA decreased in the follicles but increased in the corpus lutea.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권12호
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• pp.5043-5047
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• 2014

Nowadays increasing effectiveness in cancer therapy and investigation of formation of new strategies that enhance antiproliferative activity against target organs has become a subject of interest. Although the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis can not be fully explained, it is known that cell suicide program existing in their memory genetically is activated by pathophysiological conditions and events such as oxidative stress. Low pressure (hypobaric) conditions that create hypoxia promote apoptosis by inhibiting cell cycling. In this study, determination of the effects of fractional hypobaric applications at different times on HeLa cells at cellular and molecular levels were targeted. Experiments were carried out under hypobaric conditions (35.2 kPa) in a specially designed hypobaric cabin including 2% $O_2$ and 98% N. Application of fractional hypobaric conditions was repeated two times for 3 hours with an interval of 24 hours. At the end of the implementation period cells were allowed to incubate for 24 hours for activation of repair mechanisms. Cell kinetic parameters such as growth rate (MTT) and apoptotic index were used in determination of the effect of hypobaric conditions on HeLa cells. Also in our study expression levels of the Bcl-2 gene family that have regulatory roles in apoptosis were determined by the RT-PCR technique to evaluate molecular mechanisms. The results showed that antiproliferative effect of hypobaric conditions on HeLa cells started three hours from the time of application and increased depending on the period of exposure. While there was a significant decrease in growth rate values, there was a significant increase in apoptotic index values (p<0.01). Also molecular studies showed that hypobaric conditions caused a significant increase in expression level of proapoptotic gene Bax and significant decrease in antiapoptotic Bfl-1. Consequently fractional application of hypobaric conditions on HeLa cell cultures increased both antiproliferative and apoptotic effects and these effects were triggered by the Bax gene.

• BMB Reports
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• 제55권6호
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• pp.275-280
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• 2022

The treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is challenging due to its complex etiology. From epidermal disruption to chronic inflammation, various cells and inflammatory pathways contribute to the progression of AD. As with immunosuppressants, general inhibition of inflammatory pathways can be effective, but this approach is not suitable for long-term treatment due to its side effects. This study aimed to identify a plant extract (PE) with anti-inflammatory effects on multiple cell types involved in AD development and provide relevant mechanistic evidence. Degranulation was measured in RBL-2H3 cells to screen 30 PEs native to South Korea. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Parasenecio auriculatus var. matsumurana Nakai extract (PAE) in AD, production of cytokines and nitric oxide, activation status of FcεRI and TLR4 signaling, cell-cell junction, and cell viability were evaluated using qRT-PCR, western blotting, confocal microscopy, Griess system, and an MTT assay in RBL-2H3, HEK293, RAW264.7, and HaCaT cells. For in vivo experiments, a DNCBinduced AD mouse model was constructed, and hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, toluidine blue, and F4/80-staining were performed. The chemical constituents of PAE were analyzed by HPLC-MS. By measuring the anti-degranulation effects of 30 PEs in RBL-2H3 cells, we found that Paeonia lactiflora Pall., PA, and Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Libosch. ex Steud. show an inhibitory activity of more than 50%. Of these, PAE most dramatically and consistently suppressed cytokine expression, including IL-4, IL-9, IL-13, and TNF-α. PAE potently inhibited FcεRI signaling, which mechanistically supports its basophil-stabilizing effects, and PAE downregulated cytokines and NO production in macrophages via perturbation of toll-like receptor signaling. Moreover, PAE suppressed cytokine production in keratinocytes and upregulated the expression of tight junction molecules ZO-1 and occludin. In a DNCB-induced AD mouse model, the topical application of PAE significantly improved atopic index scores, immune cell infiltration, cytokine expression, abnormal activation of signaling molecules in FcεRI and TLR signaling, and damaged skin structure compared with dexamethasone. The anti-inflammatory effect of PAE was mainly due to integerrimine. Our findings suggest that PAE could potently inhibit multi-inflammatory cells involved in AD development, synergistically block the propagation of inflammatory responses, and thus alleviate AD symptoms.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제1권1호
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• pp.45-52
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• 2001

Background: Many types of cancer become resistant to current chemotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic intervention. To overcome this situation application of gene therapy by the introduction of suicide genes followed by their prodrugs may be promising. A viral enzyme, Herpes simplex thymidine kinase (HSV-tk), which converts ganciclovir from an inactive prodrug to a cytotoxic agent by phosphorylation, are being actively investigated for use in gene therapy for cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine whether combining prodrug-activating gene therapy and irradiation might result in enhanced antitumor effects. Methods: The HSV-tk gene was cloned into the retroviral vector, pLXSN and established the clones producing retroviruses carrying the HSV-tk gene. The carcinoma cell line, HCT116 and Huh-7 were transduced with high-titer recombinant retroviruses. These cell lines were treated with ganciclovir before or after irradiation for the defining combinational effect of suicide gene therapy and radiotherapy. Results: The titers of cloned PA3 17 amphotropic retroviruses ranged from 4 to 6 X $10^6CFU/ml4$. After selectional periods, the expression of HSV-tk was confirmed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The growth of cells expressing HSV-tk was inhibited as increase of GCV dose after 48 hr and the growth inhibitory effect of GCV was much higher after 72 hr. When the cells transduced with HSV-tk gene were exposed to radiation, the growth inhibitory effect of GCV was significantly increased, as compared with non-transduced parental cells. Conclusions: The results suggest that the addition of HSV-tk gene therapy to standard radiation therapy may improve the effectiveness of treatment for solid tumors.

• 대한바이러스학회지
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• 제29권1호
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• pp.33-38
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• 1999

Retroviral vector provide a highly efficient method for gene transfer into eukaryotic cells. This vector system can be divided into two components; the retroviral vector itself and the retroviral packaging cell line. The key improvement in the design of these two components are, focused on two aspects; the reduction of helper virus production and high titer-virus. We used PA317 for retrovirus packaging cell line, for its high producibility of viral titer. To test the ability of the vectors to generate high titer-virus, we have chosen four different retroviral vectors; LN, LNSX, LNCX and LXSN. To test easily the viral titer, we have made recombinant construction with CD4 and CD8, checked their viral titer and stained their surface expression. LXSN which contain SV40 early promoter in front of neo gene showed best results in viral transient transfection assay, dot blot assay and surface expression. In addition, recombinant containing CD8 generally showed much higher viral titration and surface expression than CD4.

• 한국소성가공학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국소성가공학회 2008년도 춘계학술대회 논문집
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• pp.247-251
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• 2008

This paper presents a micro air pump actuated by PZT actuator (synthetic jet actuator) for air supply for micro fuel cells. The synthetic jet actuators are usually created by a traditional PZT-driven actuator, which consists of a small cylindrical cavity, in/outlet channel and PZT diaphragms. To design the micro air pump, a numerical analysis has been conducted for flow characteristics with respect to various geometries. A prototype of the micro air pump, with a size of $mm{\times}mm{\times}mm$, was fabricated by PDMS replication process and was conducted performance test. To control the PZT actuator, we used the SP4423 micro chips that can be amplified input voltage to reduce the controller size and the power consumption. With a voltage of 3V at 100Hz, the air pump's pumping pressure is 600pa and its power consumption is only 0.1mW.