• BMB Reports
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• 제56권2호
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• pp.49-55
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• 2023

Aging is characterized by a gradual decline in biological functions, leading to the increased probability of diseases and deaths in organisms. Previous studies have identified biological factors that modulate aging and lifespan, including non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Here, we review the relationship between aging and tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), ncRNAs that are generated from the cleavage of tRNAs. We describe age-dependent changes in tsRNA levels and their functions in age-related diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. We also discuss the association of tsRNAs with aging-regulating processes, including mitochondrial respiration and reduced mRNA translation. We cover recent findings regarding the potential roles of tsRNAs in cellular senescence, a major cause of organismal aging. Overall, our review will provide useful information for understanding the roles of tsRNAs in aging and age-associated diseases.

• BMB Reports
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• 제48권12호
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• pp.643-644
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• 2015

In eukaryotes, small RNAs play important roles in both gene regulation and resistance to viral infection. Argonaute proteins have been identified as a key component of the effector complexes of various RNA-silencing pathways, but the mechanistic roles of Argonaute proteins in these pathways are not clearly understood. To address this question, we performed single-molecule fluorescence experiments using an RNA-induced silencing complex (core-RISC) composed of a small RNA and human Argonaute 2. We found that target binding of core-RISC starts at the seed region of the guide RNA. After target binding, four distinct reactions followed: target cleavage, transient binding, stable binding, and Argonaute unloading. Target cleavage required extensive sequence complementarity and accelerated core-RISC dissociation for recycling. In contrast, the stable binding of core-RISC to target RNAs required seed-match only, suggesting a potential explanation for the seed-match rule of microRNA (miRNA) target selection.

• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
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• 제11권3호
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• pp.273-276
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• 2006

RNA interference (RNAi), a process of sequence-specific gene suppression, has been known as a natural gene regulatory mechanism in a wide range of lower organisms. Recently, we have reported that a transfection of human U6 promoter (hU6) driven hairpin small-interference RNA (siRNA) plasmid specifically knocks down the target gene by post-transcriptional gene silencing in mammalian cells. Here we report that transfection of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products, containing human U6 promoter with hairpin siRNA, knocks down the target gene expression in human teratocarcinoma NT-2/D1 cells. Moreover, we showed 3' end termination sequence, 5 Ts, is not critical elements for knocking down in PCR-based siRNA system. Therefore, the PCR-based siRNA system is a promising tool not only for the screening but also to temporally regulate gene expression in the human progenitor cells.

• BMB Reports
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• 제48권3호
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• pp.147-152
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• 2015

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) functions through pairing with specific mRNA sequences and results in the mRNA's degradation. It is a potential therapeutic approach for many diseases caused by altered gene expression. The delivery of siRNA is still a major problem due to its rapid degradation in the circulation. Various strategies have been proposed to help with the cellular uptake of siRNA and short or small hairpin RNA (shRNA). Here, we reviewed recently published data regarding local applications of siRNA. Compared with systemic delivery methods, local delivery of siRNA/shRNA has many advantages, such as targeting the specific tissues or organs, mimicking a gene knockout effect, or developing certain diseases models. The eye, brain, and tumor tissues are 'hot' target tissues/organs for local siRNA delivery. The siRNA can be delivered locally, in naked form, with chemical modifications, or in formulations with viral or non-viral vectors, such as liposomes and nanoparticles. This review provides a comprehensive overview of RNAi local administration and potential future applications in clinical treatment.

• Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
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• 제15권6호
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• pp.711-719
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• 2018

BACKGROUND: Collagen organization within tissues has a critical role in wound regeneration. Collagen fibril diameter, arrangements and maturity between connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) small interfering RNA (siRNA) and mismatch scrambled siRNA-treated wound were compared to evaluate the efficacy of CTGF siRNA as a future implement for scar preventive medicine. METHODS: Nanocomplexes of CTGF small interfering RNA (CTGF siRNA) with cell penetrating peptides (KALA and $MPG^{{\Delta}NLS}$) were formulated and their effects on CTGF downregulation, collagen fibril diameter and arrangement were investigated. Various ratios of CTGF siRNA and peptide complexes were prepared and down-regulation were evaluated by immunoblot analysis. Control and CTGF siRNA modified cells-populated collagen lattices were prepared and rates of contraction measured. Collagen organization in rabbit ear 8 mm biopsy punch wound at 1 day to 8 wks post injury time were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and histology was investigated with Olympus System and TS-Auto software. CONCLUSION: CTGF expression was down-regulated to 40% of control by CTGF siRNA/KALA (1:24) complexes (p<0.01) and collagen lattice contraction was inhibited. However, down-regulated of CTGF by CTGF $siRNA/MPG^{{\Delta}NLS}$ complexes was not statistically significant. CTGF KALA-treated wound appeared with well formed-basket weave pattern of collagen fibrils with mean diameter of $128{\pm}22nm$ (n = 821). Mismatch siRNA/KALA-treated wound showed a high frequency of parallel small diameter fibrils (mean $90{\pm}20nm$, n = 563). CONCLUSION: Controlling over-expression of CTGF by peptide-mediated siRNA delivery could improve the collagen orientation and tissue remodeling in full thickness rabbit ear wound.

• BMB Reports
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• 제55권11호
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• pp.535-540
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• 2022

Ribosomes, acting as the cellular factories for protein production, are essential for all living organisms. Ribosomes are composed of both proteins and RNAs and are established through the coordination of several steps, including transcription, maturation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and assembly of ribosomal proteins. In particular, diverse factors required for ribosome biogenesis, such as transcription factors, small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA)-associated proteins, and assembly factors, are tightly regulated by various post-translational modifications. Among these modifications, small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) targets lots of proteins required for gene expression of ribosomal proteins, rRNA, and snoRNAs, rRNA processing, and ribosome assembly. The tight control of SUMOylation affects functions and locations of substrates. This review summarizes current studies and recent progress of SUMOylation-mediated regulation of ribosome biogenesis.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• 제20권2호
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• pp.142-146
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• 2004

Woody plant tissues contain great amounts of phenolic compounds and polysaccharides. These substances inhibit the activation of reverse transcriptase and/or Taq polymerase in RT-PCR. The commonly used multiple-step protocols using several additives to diminish polyphenolic compounds during nucleic acid extraction are time consuming and laborious. In this study, sodium sulfite was evaluated as an additive for nucleic acid extraction from woody plants and the efficiency of RT-PCR assay of commercial nucleic acid extraction kits and small-scale dsRNA extraction was compared. Sodium sulfite was used as an inhibitor against polyphenolic oxidases and its effects were compared in RNA extraction by commercial extraction kit and small-scale double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) extraction method for RT-PCR. During nucleic acid extraction, addition of 0.5%-1.5%(w/v) of sodium sulfite to lysis buffer or STE buffer resulted in lighter browning by oxidation than extracts without sodium sulfite and improved the RT-PCR detection. When commercial RNA extraction kit was used, optimal concentrations of sodium sulfite were variable according to the tested plant. However, with dsRNA as RT-PCR template, sodium sulfite 1.5% in STE buffer improved the detection efficiency of Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV) and Apple stem grooving virus (ASGV) in fruit trees, and reduced the unspecific amplifications signi-ficantly. Furthermore, when viruses existed at low titers in host plant, small-scale dsRNA extractions were very reliable.

• Journal of Life Science
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.240-244
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• 2006

We present a fast and simple protocol for purification of mitochondria, mitochondrial DNA, and RNA from small amounts of tomato leaves. This method uses a high ionic strength medium to isolate mitochondria and extract mitochondrial DNA and RNA from a single preparation and is easily adaptable to other plant species. Mitochondria was confirmed by MitoTracker. The mitochondrial DNA was not contaminated by plastid DNA, was successfully used for PCR. Similarly, the isolated mitochondrial RNA was not contaminated only slightly contaminated (leaves) by plastid RNA. RNA prepared according to our method was acceptable for RT-PCR analysis

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• 제45권3호
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• pp.183-189
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• 2018

The plant hormone auxin regulates the overall metabolic processes essential for plant growth and development. Auxin signaling is mediated by early auxin response genes, which are classified into three major families: AUXIN/INDOLE ACETIC ACID (AUX/IAA), GRETCHEN HAGEN3 (GH3) and SMALL AUIN UP RNA (SAUR). The SAUR gene family is the largest family among early auxin response genes and encodes the small and highly unstable gene products. The functional roles of SAUR genes have remained unclear for many years. The traditional genetic and molecular studies on the SAUR functions have been hampered by their likely genetic redundancy and tandem arrays of highly related genes in the plant genome, together with the molecular characteristics of SAUR. However, recent studies have suggested possible roles of SAUR in a variety of tissues and developmental stages in accordance with the novel approaches such as gain-of-function and RNA silencing techniques. In this review, the recent research progress on the functional roles and regulatory mechanisms of SAUR and a set of possible future works are discussed.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제11권3호
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• pp.515-523
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• 2001

The dinoflagellates have some primitive nuclear features and are evolutionarily intermediate between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The small subunit ribosomal RAN gene, the 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of Gonyaulax polyedra were cloned, and their sequences were analyzed to better understand their evolutionary position. The small subunit ribosomal RNA gene was 1,794 nt long, the large subunit ribosomal RNA gene was approximately 3,500 nt long, and the 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene was 159 nt long. The first internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) was 191 nt long, and the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) was 185 nt long. The intergenic spacer of the ribosomal RNA gene (IGS) was about 2,200 nt long, indicating that 5,800 nt of transcribed sequences were separated by roughly 2,200 nt of intergenic spacer. The ribosomal RNA genes were repeated many times and arranged in a head-to-tail, tandemly repeated manner. The repeating unit of ribosomal RNA gene of G. polyedra was proposed to be 8,000 nt long. Based on the lengths of ribosomal RNA, sequence alignments with representative organisms, and phylogenetic analysis on ribosomal RNA, G. polyedra appears to be one of the alveolates branched from the eukaryotic crown and, among dinoflagellates, it seems to not have emerged early.