• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.265-272
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• 2008

The CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β(C/EBPβ), a member of the leucine zipper DNA-binding protein of transcription factor, plays a crucial role in the control of early phases of adipocyte differentiation. In this studies, we report the identification, characterization, and expression of the Korean native cattle C/EBPβ gene. The Korean native cattle and black cattle C/EBPβ cDNA includes a 1047bp open reading frame encoding a protein of 348 amino acids. The C/EBPβ cDNA sequence of the Korean native cattle and black cattle shows high conservation with the corresponding amino acid sequences reported in other species. The distribution of C/EBPβ mRNA in various tissues of Korean native cattle aged 26 months was investigated using Northern Blot analysis. The C/EBPβ expression was detected in adipose tissue, lung, sirloin while expression was not detected in heart, kidney, small intestine, colon, and liver. However, we are analyzed polymorphism of bZIP domain in the C/EBPβ gene. A polymorphism was not identified at this position.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.118-125
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• 2018

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), but the genes associated with the host immune system can be attributed to the development of TB. The ITGB2 gene encodes the integrin beta 2 chain CD18 protein and is present on chromosome 21. The integrin beta 2 chain is an integrin expressed in leukocytes and plays a very important role in leukocyte maturation and attachment. ITGB2 plays an important role in the phagocytosis of MTB and the aggregation of leukocytes in MTB infections. This study examined the genetic polymorphisms of the ITGB2 gene between the TB case and normal control using Korean genomic and epidemiologic data. As a result, a statistically significant correlation was confirmed in 10 SNPs. The most significant SNP was rs113421921 (OR=0.69, CI: 0.53~0.90, $P=5.8{\times}10^{-3}$). In addition, rs173098, one of the significant 10 SNPs, is possibly located in a binding motif with the transcription factor cofactor p300, and can affect ITGB2 gene expression. These findings suggest that the pathogenesis of TB may be influenced by a range of genetic factors related to the immune function of the host, e.g., the reactions associated with the recruitment and attachment of leukocytes. The results of this study could be used to predict the infection control for tuberculosis in a patient-tailored manner.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.2 s.82
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• pp.235-240
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• 2007

AvrRpt2 protein triggers hypersensitive response (HR) and strong disease resistance when it is translocated from a bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas sp. to host plant cells containing a cognate RPS2 resistance protein through Type III Secretion System (TTSS). However, AvrRpt2 protein can function as the effector that suppresses a basal defense and enhances the disease symptom when functional RPS2 resistance protein is absent in the infected plant cells. Using Affymetrix Arabidopsis DNA chip, we found that many genes were specifically regulated by AvrRpt2 protein in the rps2 Arabidopsis mutant. Here, we showed that expression of AtERF11 that is known as a member of B1a subcluster of AP2/ERF transcription factor family was down regulated specifically by AvrRpt2. To determine its function in plant resistance, we also generated the Arabidopsis thaliana transgenic plants constitutively overexpressing AtERF11 under CaMV 355 promoter, which conferred an enhanced resistance against a bacterial pathogen, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Thus, these results collectively suggest that AtERF11 plays a role as a positive regulator for disease resistance against biotrophic bacterial pathogen in plant.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.8-13
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• 2014

The moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) plant is used as food and as an anti-allergic agent. In this study, we studied the inhibitory effect of moringa root extract on the expression of PMA-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which is the main factor implicated in the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells in MCF-7 cells. At first, various moringa extracts were examined in the MCF-7 cells. Both moringa root extract and leaf extracts inhibited PMA-induced MMP-9 activity, but the root extract suppressed PMA-induced MMP-9 activity to a greater extent than the leaf extract. The moringa root extract also inhibited PMA-induced MMP-9 protein expression and cell invasion. According to RT-PCR, the treatment of the MCF-7 cells with moringa root extract decreased levels of PMA-induced MMP-9 mRNA expression, but not the expression of TIMP-1 and -2, indicating that moringa root extract prevents the transcription of MMP-9 in response to PMA. In addition, moringa root extract specifically suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK/JNK, but not p38. We suggest that moringa root extract abolishes MMP-9 activity/expression through ERK/JNK. In conclusion, moringa root extract suppressed PMA-induced MMP-9 activity/expression by inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK/JNK in MCF-7 cells. These results indicate that moringa root extract may be a potential antimetastatic and anti-invasive agent. Future clinical research is needed on the anticancer properties of moringa root extract.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.501-508
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• 2017

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional cytokines that play important roles in a variety of cellular functions. Among BMP family members, BMP2 efficiently promotes osteoblast differentiation through Smad-mediated runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) expression. Several recent studies suggest that BMPs are associated with clock genes, in particular Bmal1. Bmal1 protein heterodimerizes with Clock protein and then induces period 1 (Per1) expression. However, the role of Per1 on osteoblast differentiation remains unclear. In this study, we investigated whether Per1 is involved in osteoblast differentiation. MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with BMP2 for induction of osteoblastic differentiation. Osteogenic maker gene and Per1 mRNA expression were measured using real-time PCR. Interestingly, BMP2 treatment induced Per1 mRNA expression in MC3T3-E1 cells. To further investigate the function of Per1 on osteoblast differentiation, MC3T3-E1 cells were transiently transfected with pCMV-Per1. Per1 overexpression increased Runx2 mRNA and protein levels. Also, mRNA expression and promoter activity of osteocalcin were upregulated by Per1 overexpression. To investigate the effect of interaction between Per1 and osteogenic condition, MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in osteogenic medium containing ascorbic acid and ${\beta}$-glycerophosphate. Osteogenic medium-induced ALP staining level and mineralization were synergistically increased by overexpression of Per1. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Per1 is a positive regulator of osteoblast differentiation.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.149-156
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• 2011

Purpose: Globular adiponectin (gAd) is a type of adipocytokine, which is mainly produced by adipose tissue. It has been reported that gAd acts as a pro- as well as an anti-inflammatory factor. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 are pro-inflammatory cytokines. To investigate the role of gAd on periodontal tissues, the expression of adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) and the effect of gAd on the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 were investigated in periodontal ligament (PDL) and gingival fibroblasts. Methods: PDL and gingival fibroblasts were cultured from human periodontal tissues. gAd derived from Escherichia coli and murine myeloma cells were used. The expression of AdipoR1 was estimated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot The expression of cytokines was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: PDL and gingival fibroblasts expressed both mRNA and protein of AdipoR1. gAd derived from E. coli increased the production of IL-6 and IL-8, but polymyxin B, an inhibitor of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), inhibited IL-6 and IL-8 production induced by gAd in both types of cells. gAd derived from murine myeloma cells did not induce IL-6 and IL-8 production in those cells. gAd derived from E. coli contained higher levels of LPS than gAd derived from murine myeloma cells. LPS increased production of IL-6 and IL-8 in PDL and gingival fibroblasts, but pretreatment of cells with gAd derived from murine myeloma cells did not inhibit LPS-induced IL-6 and IL-8 expression. Conclusions: Our results suggest that PDL and gingival fibroblasts express AdipoR1 and that gAd does not act as a modulator of IL-6 and IL-8 expression in PDL and gingival fibroblasts.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.21-25
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• 2012

Objective : This study was performed to estimate the effects of OMC-2010 extract on cytokine production in mouse spleen cells. Methods : Mouse spleen cells were pre-treated with ethanol and water extract of OMC-2010 for 1 h, then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 ${\mu}g/ml$) for 48 h. Then the cells were harvested for real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to detect cytokines. Results : OMC-2010 ethanol extract significantly inhibited the LPS-induced interleukin (IL)-1beta, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and IL-5 mRNA expressions, but not shown such changes in IL-6, IL-4, IL-13. OMC-2010 water extract significantly inhibited the LPS-induced TNF-alpha, and IL-5 mRNA expressions, but not shown such changes in IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-4, IL-13. Conclusions : Theses results could suggest that both ethanol and water OMC-2010 extract could inhibit the TNF-alpha and IL-5 mRNA expression.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.478-484
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• 2011

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is known to be frequently associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. We examined the effects of EtOH extracts from Triticum aestivum on lipid accumulation during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes to screening the candidate materials in preventing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The lipid level in adipocytes was determined by Oil Red O staining. The treatment of 50% ethanol, but not water and 100% ethanol extracts, from Triticum aestivum at concentration of 0.5 $mg/ml$ inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells, revealing no cell toxicity. Thus, the fractions of $CH_2Cl_2$, EtOAc and BuOH were separated from 50% EtOH extract to characterize anti-adipogenic effect. The $CH_2Cl_2$ fraction at concentration of $50{\mu}g/ml$ effectively inhibited the lipid accumulation in the adipocytes compared to those of EtOAc and BuOH at concentration of $50{\mu}g/ml$. The intracellular triglyceride accumulation also was significantly reduced by treatment of $CH_2Cl_2$ fraction in concentration-dependent manner. Western blot analysis showed that the $CH_2Cl_2$ fraction attenuated the intracelluar level of fatty acid synthase(FAS) accompanied by attenuated expression of Peroxidase proliferator-activated receptor ${\gamma}$ ($PPAR{\gamma}$) adipogenic transcription factor. These results suggest that $CH_2Cl_2$ fraction from 50% EtOH extract of Triticum aestivum may has the potent anti-adipogenic effects by inhibiting the transactivation of $PPAR{\gamma}$.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.1 s.81
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• pp.110-115
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• 2007

It has been previously described that transcription factor early growth response gene product 1 (EGR-1) functions as a tumor suppressor gene. This study was conducted to demonstrate that EGR-1 induction by phytochemical apigenin and its derivative isovitexin can mediate the growth suppression of the intestinal epithelial tumor cells. Apigenin and isovitexin induced EGR-1 gene expression both in the dose and time-dependent manners. Moreover the induction was relatively late around 9-12 hr after treatment of HCT-116 cells, while several anti-inflammatory agent such as NSAIDS and catechins elicit the ECR-1 gene expression at much earlier time about 1-3 hr after treatment. In terms of signal transduction, ERK1/2 was critical for apigenin-induced EGR-1 gene expression and its promoter activation. When EGR-1 gene expression was blocked with EGR-1 small interference RNA, the cytotoxicity of apigenin in the human epithelial cells was attenuated, suggesting the involvement of EGR-1 in the anti-tumoric activity of apigenin. To link the EGR-1 induction to EGR-1-regulated gene products in colon cancer, NSAID-Activated Gene 1 (NAG-1) was demonstrated to be elevated by apigenin and isovitexin at 24-48 hr after treatment. Taken together, apigenin-activated ERK1/2 mediated EGR-1 gene induction, which was associated with suppression of the cellular viability by apigenin compound.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.388-395
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• 2010

Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is generally known as an inducible enzyme, and it produces arachidonic acid to prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), which has been demonstrated to play a critical role in inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the extracts of fermented beans including soybean (FS), black agabean (FBA) and yellow agabean (FYA), on the expression of COXs and production of $PGE_2$ in U937 human promonocytic cells. Treatment of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) significantly induced pro-inflammatory mediators such as COX-2 expression and $PGE_2$ production, whereas the levels of COX-1 remained unchanged. However, pre-treatment with FS, FBA and FYA significantly decreased PMA-induced COX-2 protein as well as mRNA, which is associated with inhibition of $PGE_2$ production. Moreover, FS, FBA and FYA markedly prevented the increase of nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) p65 by PMA. Our data indicate that the extracts of fermented beans exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes through the NF-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathway.