• BMB Reports
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• 제55권8호
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• pp.401-406
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• 2022

Ahnak, a large protein first identified as an inhibitor of TGF-β signaling in human neuroblastoma, was recently shown to promote TGF-β in some cancers. The TGF-β signaling pathway regulates cell growth, various biological functions, and cancer growth and metastasis. In this study, we used Ahnak knockout (KO) mice that underwent a 70% partial hepatectomy (PH) to investigate the function of Ahnak in TGF-β signaling during liver regeneration. At the indicated time points after PH, we analyzed the mRNA and protein expression of the TGF -β/Smad signaling pathway and cell cycle-related factors, evaluated the cell cycle through proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunostaining, analyzed the mitotic index by hematoxylin and eosin staining. We also measured the ratio of liver tissue weight to body weight. Activation of TGF-β signaling was confirmed by analyzing the levels of phospho-Smad 2 and 3 in the liver at the indicated time points after PH and was lower in Ahnak KO mice than in WT mice. The expression levels of cyclin B1, D1, and E1; proteins in the Rb/E2F transcriptional pathway, which regulates the cell cycle; and the numbers of PCNA-positive cells were increased in Ahnak KO mice and showed tendencies opposite that of TGF-β expression. During postoperative regeneration, the liver weight to body weight ratio tended to increase faster in Ahnak KO mice. However, 7 days after PH, both groups of mice showed similar rates of regeneration, following which their active regeneration stopped. Analysis of hepatocytes undergoing mitosis showed that there were more mitotic cells in Ahnak KO mice, consistent with the weight ratio. Our findings suggest that Ahnak enhances TGF-β signaling during postoperative liver regeneration, resulting in cell cycle disruption; this highlights a novel role of Ahnak in liver regeneration. These results provide new insight into liver regeneration and potential treatment targets for liver diseases that require surgical treatment.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제34권4호
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• pp.245-253
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• 2024

본 연구는 초석잠 뿌리 분획물의 항산화 및 항염증 효과를 규명하고 transforming growth factor (TGF) β 자극에 의한 smad 신호전달에 미치는 효과에 대해 연구하였다. 초석잠 뿌리 분획물들 중 n-BuOH 분획물이 16.67 mg/g 으로 가장 높은 플라보노이드 함량을 나타내었으며, 다음으로 n-Hexane, water 및 85% aq. MeOH 분획물 순이었다. 초석잠 뿌리의 지방산 조성은 n-6 지방산(54.27%) > n-3 지방산(21.18%) > 포화지방산(19.70%) > n-9 지방산(3.60%) 순으로 나타났으며, 지방산들 중 n-6계 지방산인 linoleic acid (18:2n-6)가 54.27%로 나타내었고 n-3계 지방산인 linolenic acid (18:3n-3)는 20.82%의 함량을 나타내었다. DPPH 및 ABTS 라디칼 소거능을 확인한 결과, 초석잠 뿌리 분획물들 중 n-BuOH 분획물은 0.5 mg/mL 의 농도에서 각각 85.4% 및 90.2%로 라디칼 소거능을 나타내었다. 85% aq. MeOH 분획물은 0.5 mg/mL 의 농도에서 각각 58.7% 및 90.8%로 DPPH 및 ABTS 라디칼 소거능을 보였다. 항염증 효능 중 NO 생성 저해 효과는 모든 분획물들이 0.5, 1 및 2 mg/mL의 농도에서 control 과 유의적 차이를 보이면서 NO 생성을 저해하였다(p<0.05). TGFβ signaling의 smad3 의 인산화 발현량을 확인한 결과 85% aq. MeOH 및 water 분획물들을 처리한 군에서 control과 비교했을 때 각각 88% 및 77% 수준으로 smad3의 인산화가 저해되는 것을 확인하였다. 이상의 결과들로부터 플라보노이드 함량이 높은 n-BuOH 분획물의 항산화 활성이 높았고 항염증 및 TGFβ signaling의 smad3 의 인산화 저해 활성은 85% aq. MeOH 및 water 분획물들에서 높은 활성이 나타났다.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.304-310
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• 2012

The present study showed that Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-${\beta}_1$) can induce apoptosis of bovine mammary epithelial cells. This apoptosis was also observed with phosphorylation of Smad2/3 within 0.5-2 h. Afterwards the signal transferred into the nucleus. Moreover, intracellular free $Ca^{2+}$ concentration was significantly elevated as well as Caspase-3 activated and DNA lysised, thereby inducing the programmed cell death. This signaling pathway of TGF-${\beta}_1$ was blocked by SB-431542 ($10^{-2}{\mu}M$) via inhibiting ALK-5 kinase activity, which thus reversed the anti-proliferation and apoptosis effect of TGF-${\beta}_1$ in mammary epithelial cells. These results indicated that TGF-${\beta}_1$ induced apoptosis of bovine mammary epithelial cells through the ALK-5-Smad2/3 pathway, which plays an important role in inhibiting survival of mammary epithelial cells. Moreover, intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ also played a critical role in TGF-${\beta}_1$-induced cell apoptosis.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제37권3호
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• pp.270-274
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• 2014

Lymphatic vessels are essential to regulate interstitial fluid homeostasis and diverse immune responses. A number of crucial factors, such as VEGFC, SOX18, PROX1, FOX2C, and GJC2, have been implicated in differentiation and/or maintenance of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). In humans, dysregulation of these genes is known to cause lymphedema, a debilitating condition which adversely impacts the quality of life of affected individuals. However, there are no currently available pharmacological treatments for lymphedema, necessitating identification of additional factors modulating lymphatic development and function which can be targeted for therapy. In this report, we investigate the function of genes associated with Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling in lymphatic development using zebrafish embryos. The knock-down of BMP type II receptors, Bmpr2a and Bmpr2b, and type I receptors, Alk3 and Alk3b, as well as SMAD5, an essential cellular mediator of BMP signaling, led to distinct lymphatic defects in developing zebrafish. Therefore, it appears that each constituent of the BMP signaling pathway may have a unique function during lymphatic development. Taken together, our data demonstrate that BMP signaling is essential for normal lymphatic vessel development in zebrafish.

• BMB Reports
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• 제52권2호
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• pp.139-144
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• 2019

Breast cancer (BRC) is the most invasive cancer in women. Although the survival rate of BRC is gradually increasing due to improved screening systems, development of novel therapeutic targets for inhibition of BRC proliferation, metastasis and recurrence have been constantly needed. Thus, in this study, we identified overexpression of SETDB1 (SET Domain Bifurcated 1), a histone methyltransferase, in RNA-seq data of BRC derived from TCGA portal. In Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, cell migration-related GO terms were enriched, and we confirmed down-regulation of cell migration/invasion and alteration of EMT /MET markers after knockdown of SETDB1. Moreover, gene network analysis showed that SMAD7 expression is regulated by SETDB1 levels, indicating that up-regulation of SMAD7 by SETDB1 knockdown inhibited BRC metastasis. Therefore, development of SETDB1 inhibitors and functional studies may help develop more effective clinical guidelines for BRC treatment.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• 제36권6호
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• pp.460-465
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• 2010

Introduction: A cleft palate is a common birth defect in humans with an incidence of 1/500 to 1/1,000 births. It appears to be caused by multiple genetic and environmental factors during palatogenesis. Many molecules are involved in palate formation but the biological mechanisms underlying the normal palate formation and cleft palate are unclear. Accumulating evidence suggests that transforming growth factor $\beta$/bone morphogenetic proteins (TGF-$\beta$/BMP) family members mediate the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during palate formation. However, their roles in palatal morphogenesis are not completely understood. Materials and Methods: To understand the roles of TGF-$\beta$/BMP signaling in vivo during palatogenesis, mice with a palatal mesenchyme- specific deletion of Smad4, a key intracellular mediator of TGF-$\beta$/BMP signaling, were generated and analyzed using the Osr2Ires-Cre mice. Results: The mutant mice were alive at the time of birth with open eyelids and complete cleft palate but died within 24 hours after birth. In skeletal preparation, the horizontal processes of the palatine bones in mutants were not formed and resulted in a complete cleft palate. At E13.5, the palatal shelves of the mutants were growing as normally as those of theirwild type littermates. However, the palatal shelves of the mutants were not elevated at E14.5 in contrast to the elevated palatal shelves of the wild type mice. At E15.5, the palatal shelves of the mutants were elevated over the tongue but did not come in contact with each other, resulting in a cleft palate. Conclusion: These results suggest that mesenchymal Smad4 mediated signaling is essential for the growth of palatal processes and suggests that TGF-$\beta$/BMP family members are essential regulators during palate development.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제33권2호
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• pp.105-113
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• 2006

목 적: 본 연구를 통해 $TGF-{\beta}1$에 의해 유도된 인간자궁내막의 탈락막화 과정에서 ERK와 $PPAR{\gamma}$의 역할을 규명하고자 하였다. 연구방법: 자궁내막 기질세포는 DMEM/F12 (10% FBS, 1 nM E2 and 100 nM P4) 조건에서 배양하였다. 연구 목적에 따라 $TGF-{\beta}1$ (5 ng/ml), Rosiglitazone (50 nM)와 PD98059 ($20{\mu}M$)를 배양액에 첨가하였다. Trypan-Blue와 hematocytometer를 이용하여 현미경하에서 세포의 개수를 측정하였다. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)와 western blotting 방법을 사용하여 단백질의 발현 정도를 관찰하였다. 결과 및 결론: 배양액에 $TGF-{\beta}1$을 첨가하여 세포의 증식 정도를 측정한 결과 $TGF-{\beta}1$이 세포의 증식을 억제하는 것을 알 수 있었다. 또한 배양된 세포로부터 PGE2 및 prolactin의 발현을 유도하는 것을 알 수 있었다. 이러한 $TGF-{\beta}1$의 작용은 Smad 및 ERK의 활성화를 통하여 일어남을 알 수 있었다. $PPAR{\gamma}$의 기질인 rosiglitazone을 배양액에 첨가한 결과 $TGF-{\beta}1$에 의한 세포 증식의 억제가 역전되는 것을 알 수 있었다. 뿐만 아니라, 세포 내 ERK의 활성 역시 억제 시켰으며 이 결과 PGE2와 prolactin의 발현이 억제 되는 것을 관찰할 수 있었다. 따라서 본 연구를 통해 $TGF-{\beta}1$에 의한 자궁내막 기질세포의 탈락막화는 Smad와 ERK의 활성화를 통하여 이루어지며 이러한 과정은 $PPAR{\gamma}$에 의해 억제됨을 알 수 있었다.

• 약학회지
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• 제56권1호
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• pp.9-13
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• 2012

We previously reported that the extract of Taraxacum platycarpum (AF-343) had several biological properties such as skin hydration and anti-inflammatory effects, thereby AF-343 be a promising anti-atopic dermatitis agent. However, few studies have been conducted to evaluate its effect on modulation of extracellular matrix proteins in human skin fibroblasts. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expressions of type I collagen, MMP-1, Smad2/3, and TIMP-1 proteins in AF-343-treated human skin fibroblasts. Human skin fibroblasts were treated by various concentrations of AF-343 (0~2 mg/ml). The expressions of type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), Smad2/3, and TIMP-1 proteins were analyzed by Western blot analysis. In addition, level of type I collagen mRNA was analyzed by CAT assay. Expression of type I collagen protein was increased in AF-343-treated human skin fibroblasts by dose and time-dependent manners. Consistent with this result, the expressions of phospho-Smad2/3 in skin fibroblasts were increased and MMP-1 expression was decreased by AF-343 treatment. TIMP-1 expression was not significantly changed in AF-343 treated skin fibroblasts. Extract of Taraxacum platycarpum (AF-343)-induced up-regulation of type I collagen expression was through increased expression of phospho-Smad2/3. These results were occurred combined with down-regulation of MMP-1 in skin fibroblasts. Taken together, this study indicated that AF-343 has property of the modulation of ECM in tissue as well as skin hydration and anti-inflammation.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제22권10호
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• pp.1371-1377
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• 2012

신장섬유화는 내 외부적인 요인들에 의해 발생하며, 그 요인들에 의해 염증이 생기고 지속적인 손상이 일어날 경우 신기능의 상실이 유발된다. 또한 신장섬유화는 세포 외 기질의 과다축적, TGF-${\beta}$나, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-1과 같은 사이 토카인에 의해 발생하며, TGF-${\beta}$는 신장 섬유화의 과정과 Type I collagen과 fibronectin, PAI-1을 포함한 섬유화 관련 인자들의 발현 유도에 중요한 역할을 한다. 본 연구에서는 TGF-${\beta}$를 처리한 신장섬유화 유도 모델에서 Moringa oleifera Lam 추출물에 대한 섬유화 관련 인자들의 영향을 확인하였다. 실험 결과 TGF-${\beta}$로 유도된 신장 섬유화 세포에서 모링가 추출물이 fibronectin, Type I collagen과 PAI-1의 단백질 및 mRNA 발현을 저해하였으며, 모링가 추출물 중 모링가 뿌리추출물이 가장 영향이 있는 것으로 확인 되었다. 모링가 뿌리추출물이 어떠한 기전을 통하여 섬유화 관련 인자들의 발현을 조절하는지 알아보기 위한 TGF-${\beta}$로 유도된 $T{\beta}RII$ 및 그 하위 기전의 인산화 정도를 확인한 실험에서 모링가 뿌리추출물이 TGF-${\beta}$로 유도된 $T{\beta}RII$과 그 하위기전의 Smad4, ERK의 인산화를 저해하였다. 그러나 TGF-${\beta}$에 의해 유도된 JNK와 p38, PI3K/AKT의 인산화에는 영향이 없었다. 따라서 모링가 뿌리추출물이 TGF-${\beta}$로 유도된 신장 섬유아세포에서 $T{\beta}RII$와 그 하위 기전인 Smad4, ERK를 통해서 Type I collagen 과 fibronectin, PAI-1의 발현을 조절하여 섬유화를 저해 한다는 것을 예상할 수 있다. 결론적으로 모링가 뿌리추출물이 섬유화 치료 및 완화에 좋은 물질이 될 수 있을 것으로 생각된다.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제55권6호
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• pp.617-629
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• 2022

본 연구는 속단으로부터 단일 화합물로 분리한 Hed의 조골세포 활성 효능과 작용 기전 규명을 위해 수행되었다. Hed는 MC3T3-E1 세포의 증식과 ALP 효소 활성을 자극하여 세포외 기질에 인산과 칼슘 이온 침착을 증가시켰다. Hed는 BMP-2/Smad 신호 전달 경로를 활성화하여 Runx2, ALP, OPN 및 ProCOL의 mRNA와 단백질 발현을 유의하게 증가시켜 조골세포의 성숙과 분화를 유도하였다. 따라서 본 연구결과 Hed는 조골세포 활성 효능을 가진 것으로 판단되며 항골다공증 기능성 소재로의 개발 가능성을 확인하였다.