• BMB Reports
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• 제39권3호
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• pp.319-328
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• 2006

SecA protein, a cytoplasmic ATPase, plays a central role in the secretion of signal peptide-containing proteins. Here, we examined effects of signal peptide and ATP on the oligomerization, conformational change, and membrane binding of SecA. The wild-type (WT) signal peptide from the ribose-binding protein inhibited ATP binding to soluble SecA and stimulated release of ATP already bound to the protein. The signal peptide enhanced the oligomerization of soluble SecA, while ATP induced dissociation of SecA oligomer. Analysis of SecA unfolding with urea or heat revealed that the WT signal peptide induces an open conformation of soluble SecA, while ATP increased the compactness of SecA. We further obtained evidences that the signal peptide-induced oligomerization and the formation of open structure enhance the membrane binding of SecA, whereas ATP inhibits the interaction of soluble SecA with membranes. On the other hand, the complex of membrane-bound SecA and signal peptide was shown to resume nucleotide-binding activity. From these results, we propose that the translocation components affect the degree of oligomerization of soluble SecA, thereby modulating the membrane binding of SecA in early translocation pathway. A possible sequential interaction of SecA with signal peptide, ATP, and cytoplasmic membrane is discussed.

• Animal cells and systems
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• 제2권1호
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• pp.99-106
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• 1998

In this study, we have examined the role of cAMP in gap junctional communication (GJC) in preimplantation mouse embryos. GJC was monitored by Lucifer Yellow (LY) injected into one blastomere of compacted embryos. The speed of GJC was defined as the time taken for the last blastomere of the embryo to become visibly fluorescent. The median time for 8-cell embrvos (140 sec) was similar to that for 16-cell (135 sec). To determine whether cAMP and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) are involved in the regulation of GJC, the effects of PKA inhibitor (H8) and cAMP analogues (Rp-cAMP and 8-Br-cAMP) on dye transfer between blastomeres of compacted embryos were examined. Some of the embryos treated with either H8 or Rp-cAMP failed to transfer LY to all blastomeres within 10 min. In contrast, 8-Br-cAMP speeded up fluorescent dye transfer. The median time to fill all blastomeres with LY was 140 sec in untreated controls and 90 sec in siblings treated with 8-Br-cAMP. Inhibition of PKA by H8 or Rp-cAMP induced delay or arrest in embryo development after compaction, but the increase of intracellular cAMP showed no effect. These findings suggest that GJC in preimplantation mouse embryos is regulated by cAMP-PKA pathway and transient interference by PKA inhibitors induces the developmental delay beyond compaction.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제25권7호
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• pp.963-977
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• 2015

The well-characterized gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis is an outstanding industrial candidate for protein expression owing to its single membrane and high capacity of secretion, simplifying the downstream processing of secretory proteins. During the last few years, there has been continuous progress in the illustration of secretion mechanisms and application of this robust host in various fields of life science, such as enzyme production, feed additives, and food and pharmaceutical industries. Here, we review the developments of Bacillus subtilis as a highly promising expression system illuminating strong chemical- and temperatureinducible and other types of promoters, strategies for ribosome-binding-site utilization, and the novel approach of signal peptide selection. Furthermore, we outline the main steps of the Sec pathway and the relevant elements as well as their interactions. In addition, we introduce the latest discoveries of Tat-related complex structures and functions and the countless applications of this full-folded protein secretion pathway. This review also lists some of the current understandings of ATP-binding cassette transporters. According to the extensive knowledge on the genetic modification strategies and molecular biology of Bacillus subtilis, we propose some suggestions and strategies for improving the yield of intended productions. We expect this to promote striking future developments in the optimization and application of this bacterium.

• 한국식품영양과학회지
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• 제38권2호
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• pp.136-141
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• 2009

스피루리나를 세포벽 가수분해효소와 단백질 가수분해효소로 처리하여 조제한 스피루리나 가수분해물(enzymatic hydrolysate of spirulina, EHS)의 생리활성을 조사하였다. 효소처리 가수분해물의 유산균 증식효과, 항산화능, 암세포 증식저해 활성, 항혈전 활성을 분석한 결과 EHS는 유산균 증식활성과 항산화능에 큰 영향을 미치지 않았으며, 자궁경부암세포(HeLa)에 대해 1.42 mg/L의 농도에서 15% 미만의 증식저해효과를 나타내었다. 반면 항혈전 활성을 공통 경로(common pathway), 내인성 경로(intrinsic pathway), 외인성 경로(extrinsic pathway)로 구분하여 측정한 결과, 공통경로, 내인성 경로와 유사한 항혈전 활성이 있음을 확인하였다. 공통 경로를 thrombin time assay로 측정한 결과 EHS의 농도가 100 mg/L일 때 155.6초를 나타내었다. 내인성 경로는 activated partial thromboplastin time assay로 측정하였고, EHS의 농도가 1000 mg/L일 때 95.8초를 나타내었다. 외인성 경로를 prothrombin time assay로 측정한 결과 EHS의 농도가 1000 mg/L일 때 10.6초를 나타내었다. 결과적으로 스피루리나 효소가수분해물(EHS)이 항혈전경로 중 공통경로와 내인성 경로에 활성이 있음을 알 수 있었으며, 이를 토대로 신규의 항혈전 기능성 원료로 개발될 수 있을 것으로기대된다.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제25권6호
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• pp.593-601
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• 2021

Primary cilia on kidney tubular cells play crucial roles in maintaining structure and physiological function. Emerging evidence indicates that the absence of primary cilia, and their length, are associated with kidney diseases. The length of primary cilia in kidney tubular epithelial cells depends, at least in part, on oxidative stress and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK) activation. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is involved in antioxidant systems and the ERK signaling pathway. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the role of H₂S in primary cilia elongation and the downstream pathway. In cultured Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cells, the length of primary cilia gradually increased up to 4 days after the cells were grown to confluent monolayers. In addition, the expression of H₂S-producing enzyme increased concomitantly with primary cilia length. Treatment with NaHS, an exogenous H₂S donor, accelerated the elongation of primary cilia whereas DL-propargylglycine (a cystathionine γ-lyase inhibitor) and hydroxylamine (a cystathionine-β-synthase inhibitor) delayed their elongation. NaHS treatment increased ERK activation and Sec10 and Arl13b protein expression, both of which are involved in cilia formation and elongation. Treatment with U0126, an ERK inhibitor, delayed elongation of primary cilia and blocked the effect of NaHS-mediated primary cilia elongation and Sec10 and Arl13b upregulation. Finally, we also found that H₂S accelerated primary cilia elongation after ischemic kidney injury. These results indicate that H₂S lengthens primary cilia through ERK activation and a consequent increase in Sec10 and Arl13b expression, suggesting that H₂S and its downstream targets could be novel molecular targets for regulating primary cilia.

• 한국미생물생명공학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국미생물생명공학회 2000년도 Proceedings of 2000 KSAM International Symposium and Spring Meeting
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• pp.182-185
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• 2000

• 한국전산유체공학회지
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.106-111
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• 2016

Waste-to-energy facilities including incinerators are known as an efficient method to reduce wastes. In waste-to-energy facilities, more efficient cooling system is still needed for grates as the energy density of waste increased. For better cooling performance with the water-cooled grates, optimal design of cooling water pathways is highly beneficial. We performed numerical investigation on fluid flow and residence time of cooling water with change of the geometry of the cooling water pathway. With addition of round shaped guide vanes in the water pathway, the maximum residence time of flow is reduced(from 4.3 sec. to 2.4 sec.), but there is no significant difference in pressure drop between inlet and outlet, and average residence time at the outlet. Furthermore the flow stagnation region moves to the outlet, as the position of the round shaped guide vanes is located to the neck point of pathways.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제34권4호
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• pp.405-416
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• 2021

Background: This study investigated the effect of intrathecal Sec-O-glucosylhamaudol (SOG) on the p38/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB)-related inflammatory responses, and autophagy in a spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced neuropathic pain model. Methods: The continuous administration of intrathecal SOG via an osmotic pump was performed on male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 50) with SNL-induced neuropathic pain. Rats were randomized into four groups after the 7th day following SNL and treated for 2 weeks as follows (each n = 10): Group S, sham-operated; Group D, 70% dimethylsulfoxide; Group SOG96, SOG at 96 ㎍/day; and Group SOG192, SOG at 192 ㎍/day. The paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) test was performed to assess neuropathic pain. Western blotting of the spinal cord (L5) was performed to measure changes in the expression of signaling pathway components, cytokines, and autophagy. Additional studies with naloxone challenge (n = 10) and cells were carried out to evaluate the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of SOG. Results: Continuous intrathecal SOG administration increased the PWT with p38/JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and NF-κB signaling pathway inhibition, which induced a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines with the concomitant downregulation of autophagy. Conclusions: SOG alleviates mechanical allodynia, and its mechanism is thought to be related to the regulation of p38/JNK MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, associated with autophagy during neuroinflammatory processes after SNL.

• 대한자기공명의과학회:학술대회논문집
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• 대한자기공명의과학회 2001년도 제6차 학술대회 초록집
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• pp.104-104
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• 2001

Purpose： In this study, we investigated the possible motor pathways of hemiplegic stroke patients usin combined TMS and BOLD fMRI approach and evaluated the correlation between TMS a fMRI methods. Method： Four subjects, who demonstrated left hemiplegia after stroke, are included. TMS was performed using a Dantec Mag2 stimulator (Dantec Company, USA) in single puls mode with figure eight-shaped coil. Following TMS localization, The BOLD T2＊-weight images were acquired with echo planar imaging sequence (TR = 1.2 sec, TE = 60 msec, and flip angle = 90). Motor activation was studied by means of a repetitive fing flexion-extension task. The stimulation protocol comprised 10 cycles of alternating activati and rest (10 images per cycle). Total 60 cycles were performed and each cycle take abou 1.5 sec. The resulting images were then analyzed with STIMULATE (CMRR, U, o Minnesota) to generate functional maps using a student t-test (p < 0.0005) and cluste analysis.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.153-158
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• 1996

Polyethylene glycols(PEGs)are hydrophilic molecules that have been used to characterize intestinal permeability via the paracellular pathway. Using a mixture of PEGs(400, 600 and 1000), containing oligomers in the molecular weight range 330 to 1122 D, the molecular weight permeability dependence in the jejunum of the rat small intestine was examined, employing an in situ recirculation perfusion technique. Individual oligomers were determined by HPLC with refractive detection. In the range studied, a distinct molecular weight cut-off was not apparent. Corrected for the length of jejunum used in the study, over the molecular weight range 330 to 1122D, the apparent permeability(Papp) of PEG ranged from 4.92$\pm$0.02$\times$10-5cm/sec(mean$\pm$SEM, n=5) to 0.28$\times$10-5cm/sec. Also, it was observed that the apparent permeability was inversely proportional to approximately MW2. The results in this study suggest that molecular weight is an important factor in determining the intestinal permeability.