• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.390-397
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• 2011

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) and ${\beta}$-arrestins have been known as regulators of G protein-coupled receptors. However, it has been recently reported that GRKs and ${\beta}$-arrestins mediate receptor-mediated cellular responses in a G proteinin-dependent manner. In this scheme, GRKs work as a mediator or a scaffold protein. Among 7 members of the GRK family (GRK1-GRK7), GRK2 is the most extensively studied in vitro and in vivo. GRK2 is involved in cellular migration, insulin signaling, and cardiovascular disease. GRK6 in concert with ${\beta}$-arrestin 2 mediates chemoattractant-stimulated chemotaxis of T and B lymphocytes. GRK5 shuttles between the cytosol and nucleus, and regulates the activities of transcription factors. GRK3 and GRK4 do not seem to have striking effects on cellular responses other than receptor regulation. GRK1 and GRK7 play specific roles in regulation of rhodopsin function. In this review, these newly discovered functions of GRKs are briefly described.

• BMB Reports
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.227-238
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• 2019

GROWTH-REGULATING FACTORs (GRFs) are sequence-specific DNA-binding transcription factors that regulate various aspects of plant growth and development. GRF proteins interact with a transcription cofactor, GRF-INTERACTING FACTOR (GIF), to form a functional transcriptional complex. For its activities, the GRF-GIF duo requires the SWITCH2/SUCROSE NONFERMENTING2 chromatin remodeling complex. One of the most conspicuous roles of the duo is conferring the meristematic potential on the proliferative and formative cells during organogenesis. GRF expression is post-transcriptionally down-regulated by microRNA396 (miR396), thus constructing the GRF-GIF-miR396 module and fine-tuning the duo's action. Since the last comprehensive review articles were published over three years ago, many studies have added further insight into its action and elucidated new biological roles. The current review highlights recent advances in our understanding of how the GRF-GIF-miR396 module regulates plant growth and development. In addition, I revise the previous view on the evolutionary origin of the GRF gene family.

• BMB Reports
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• v.57 no.5
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• pp.216-231
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• 2024

Mammalian genomes are intricately compacted to form sophisticated 3-dimensional structures within the tiny nucleus, so called 3D genome folding. Despite their shapes reminiscent of an entangled yarn, the rapid development of molecular and next-generation sequencing technologies (NGS) has revealed that mammalian genomes are highly organized in a hierarchical order that delicately affects transcription activities. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that 3D genome folding is implicated in diseases, giving us a clue on how to identify novel therapeutic approaches. In this review, we will study what 3D genome folding means in epigenetics, what types of 3D genome structures there are, how they are formed, and how the technologies have developed to explore them. We will also discuss the pathological implications of 3D genome folding. Finally, we will discuss how to leverage 3D genome folding and engineering for future studies.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.17-21
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• 2022

The present study aimed to determine whether a hemolymph prepared from Antheraea yamamai larvae had the same biological activities using a Bombyx mori hemolymph prior to exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in order to induce an inflammatory response. The effects of the hemolymph were determined using a reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction to assess the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules. The A. yamamai hemolymph exerted anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-activated human monocytic leukemia cells via Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4-mediated suppression, similar to the B. mori hemocyte extract. Treatment with the A. yamamai hemolymph significantly suppressed LPS-induced upregulated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression at all tested concentrations compared with the control, similar to the B. mori immune-challenged hemolymph. Finally, the A. yamamai hemolymph, like the B. mori immune-challenged hemolymph, suppressed all of these concentrations in a dose-independent manner. These results demonstrate that the hemolymph of A. yamamai exhibited important biologically active substances. Further in-depth functional studies are required to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the biological activities of wild-type silkworm hemolymphs.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.30-45
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• 2012

Objectives The suppressive effect of CSBHT has been mysterious. Thus, the present study is designed to investigate the suppressive effect and its mechanism. Methods To investigate the anti-allergy effect from ChungShimBoHyeolTang(CSBHT), RBL-2H3 cell was used and examined by Real-Time PCR, and IL-4 and IL-13 from RBL-2H3 was examined by ELIS. In addition, GATA-1, GATA-2, NFAT-1, NFAT-2, c-Fos, c-Jun, NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 transcription factors of RBL-2H3 mast cell were examined by Western Blotting. Also, OVA/alum-sensitized mice were orally administrated CSBHT and serum OVA-specific IgE production, IL-4, and IL-13 production in splenocytes supernatant were examined. Results As a result of treating with CSBHT extract, RBL-2H3 mast cells significantly suppressed the IL-4 and IL-13 mRNA expression and IL-4 and IL-13 production. Western blot analysis of transcription factors involving IL-4 and IL-13 expression also revealed a prominent decreases of mast cell's specific transcription factors including GATA-1, GATA-2, NFAT-1, NFAT-2, c-Fos, and NF-${\kappa}B$ p65. Also, examining the mice, administration of CSBHT suppressed the amount of OVA-specific IgE in OVA/alum-sensitized mice and IL-4 and IL-13 production in splenocytes supernatant. Conclusions The study suggested that the anti-allergic activities of CSBHT suppresses IL-4 and IL-13 production from the Th2 cytokines by suppressing transcription factors as GATA-1, GATA-2, NFAT-1, NFAT-2, c-Fos and NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 in mast cells.

• BMB Reports
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• v.42 no.11
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• pp.752-757
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• 2009

Copper is essential but toxic in excess for aerobic organisms. Yeast transcription factor ACE1 functions as a sensor for copper and an inducer for the transcription of CUP1. In addition, ACE1 can activate the transcription of superoxide dismutase gene (sod1) in response to copper. In this study, we introduced the yeast ACE1 into Arabidopsis and analyzed its function in plant. Under high copper stress, the transgenic plants over-expressing ACE1 showed higher survival rate than the wild-type. We also found that over-expression of ACE1 in Arabidopsis increased the activities of SOD and POD, which were beneficial to the cell in copper buffering. Excess copper would suppress the expression of chlorophyll biosynthetic genes in Arabidopsis, RT-PCR analysis revealed that over-expression of ACE1 decrease the suppression. Together, our results indicate that ACE1 may play an important role in response to copper stress in Arabidopsis.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.28-39
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• 2011

Objectives: SaengRyoSaMulTang is a herbal formula in Oriental Medicine, known anti-allergens. However, its mechanism and cellular targets have not been found yet. Thus the study has developed to investigate the suppressive effect of SaengRyoSaMulTang. Methods: In the study, cellular viability, IL-4, IL-13 mRNA expression, IL-4, IL-13 production, manifestations of GATA-1, GATA-2, NF-AT1, NF-AT2, AP-1 and NF-${\kappa}$B p65 transcription factors were examined by Real-Time PCR, ELISA analysis and western blotting. Results: As a result of treating with SaengRyoSaMulTang extract(SRSMT), the study has shown that the amount of Th2 cytokines, which include PI induced IL-4 and IL-13, plays a significant role in suppressing effect. RBL-2H3 mast cells significantly suppressed the PI-induced Th2 cytokine production including IL-4 and IL-13 in a dose dependent manner. PI-induced IL-4 and IL-13 production was significantly suppressed by SRSMT intervention. Western blot analysis of transcription factors involving IL-4 and IL-13 expression also revealed a prominent decreases of mast cell's specific transcription factors including GATA-1, GATA-2, NF-AT2, c-Jun and c-Fos, but NF-${\kappa}$B p65. Conclusions: The study suggests that the anti-allergenic activities of SRSMT may regulate the transcription factors GATA-1, GATA-2, NF-AT2, c-Jun and c-Fos inhibiting Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 in mast cells.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.536-544
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• 2017

Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai is deciduous shrubs of flowering plant in Oleaceae. It is important plant resources and consists of one species in the world. Also the endemic plant of A. distichum has been protected and designed endangered plant in Korea. For this reason, study on the immature seeds of A. distichum (ADS) hasn't progressed. In the present study, we evaluated the antioxidant activity and inhibitory effects on proteins and mRNA levels were related in the whitening effect in B16F10 cells. ADS was effective for reaction oxygen species (ROS). ROS causes various diseases such as aging, inflammation, cancer, and etc. Antioxidant properties were evaluated DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging activity and Reducing power. Plants were known that contained phenolic compounds were related in antioxidant activity. Phenolic compounds were phytochemicals commonly named natural polyphenols. These are secondary metabolites of plants involved in the defense against different types of stresses. In results, ADS suppressed the expression and transcription of Tyrosinase, TRP-1, TRP-2, and Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). Tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1), tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-2) are known to play an important role in melanin biosynthesis. MITF regulated the expression and transcription of Tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2. In conclusion, ADS was effective in both antioxidant activities and whitening effects. Also, they were associated with the content of phenolic compounds. We suggested that ADS can be use antioxidants and skin-whitening functional cosmetics material derived from natural plant resources.

• The Journal of Natural Sciences
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.25-37
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• 2004

T7 RNA polymerase also recognize intrinsic, hairpin-independent termination signal, a conserved 7-base pair sequence (ATCTGTT in the non-template stand) and U-rich sequence downstream of it. These intrinsic, hairpin-independent termination signal were commonly found in PTH and CJ termination sequences. There are two types of mutant T7 RNA polymerases recognizing sensitively(X3, X19, BG8) of insensitively (R173C) the intrinsic termination signals. We determined the T7 transcription activities of these mutants. Compared to wild-type, mutants X4, 19 and BG8 show highly reduced transcription activities (8%, 33%, 34%). On the other hand mutant R173C shows comparable transcription activity of wild-type (112%). Also transcription termination efficiencies at the PTH or CJ termination signals were determined by using mutant RNA polymerases. Temination of mutnats X4, X19 and BG8 are increased compared to wild-type. On the other hadn mutant R173C proceeds through PTH and CJ termination signals.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.173-182
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• 2013

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease associated with dysfunction of skin barrier and cutaneous hyper-reactivity to environmental triggers. In the previous study, cytotoxicity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities were investigated for various herbal extracts such as Aloe vera L. (AV), Viola mandshurica W. Becker (VM), Punica granatum L. (PG), and Dendrobium nobile L. (DN) in order to develop effective therapeutic herbal extracts for atopic dermatitis, In this study, anti-inflammatory activities of these herb extracts in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage RAW264.7 cells were further examined to find the underlying molecular mechanisms. The RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) analysis showed that PG, DN and AV inhibited effectively the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-$1{\beta}$ in LPS-stimulated macrophages, while VM did not. The transfection and luciferase analysis exhibited that all herbal extracts hindered the activation of transcription nuclear factor kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$). The western blot analysis indicated that AV blocked the activation of only JNK MAP (c-Jun N-terminal kinase mitogen-activated protein) kinase not p38 MAP kinase, while VM, PG and DN did not show the activation of both JNK and p38 MAP kinases. These results suggest that AV, VM, PG, and DN have anti-inflammatory activities and thus have the potential to reduce and alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.