• 생명과학회지
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• 제31권12호
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• pp.1057-1065
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• 2021

위암 환자에서 미토콘드리아 DNA (mtDNA)의 양적 변화가 보고 되고 있으며 이러한 변화가 위암의 발암이나 진행에 관여되는 것으로 추정되고 있다. 그리나 위암에서 미토콘드리아 단백질이나 mtDNA에 의해 암호화된 산화적 인산화(OXPHOS) 단백질의 양적 변화에 관한 연구는 아직까지 미비한 실정이다. 본 연구에서는 위암환자 조직 및 세포주를 이용하여 mtDNA 양 그리고 미토콘드리아 단백질 및 OXPHOS 단백질의 양을 분석하였다. 또한, mtDNA 양적 변화와 위암 환자의 임상병리학적 특징을 연관 분석하였다. MtDNA 양을 분석하기 위하여 qPCR 기법을 그리고 단백질 분석에는 Western blot 기법을 각각 활용하였다. 총 27개의 위암 환자 샘플에서 약 80%에 해당하는 22개의 환자 위암조직에서 정상조직에 비해 mtDNA 양이 감소하였으며, 나머지 환자에서는 mtDNA 양이 증가하였다. 이러한 mtDNA 양이 감소한 위암 조직 샘플에서는 미토콘드리아 단백질 및 OXPHOS 단백질의 양도 같이 감소하였다. 한편, 본 연구에 사용된 총 5개의 위암 세포주 모두에서 mtDNA 양이 감소하였다 그러나 위암 세포주에서는 mtDNA 양적 감소와 미토콘드리아 단백질 및 OXPHOS 단백질의 양적 감소가 항상 일치하지는 않았다. 이러한 연구결과는 위암 조직 및 세포주에서 mtDNA 양의 감소가 흔하며 이는 mtDNA 양적 변화가 위암의 생성에 관여함을 제시한다.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제44권7호
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• pp.468-480
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• 2021

Ubiquitin D (UBD) is highly upregulated in many cancers, and plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiological processes of cancers. However, its roles and underlying mechanisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are still unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of UBD in patients with OSCC. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to measure the expression of UBD in OSCC tissues. Immunohistochemistry assay was used to detect the differential expressions of UBD in 244 OSCC patients and 32 cases of normal oral mucosae. In addition, CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to evaluate the effect of UBD on the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in OSCC. Furthermore, a xenograft tumor model was established to verify the role of UBD on tumor formation in vivo. We found that UBD was upregulated in human OSCC tissues and cell lines and was associated with clinical and pathological features of patients. Moreover, the overexpression of UBD promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of OSCC cells; however, the knockdown of UBD exerted the opposite effects. In this study, our results also suggested that UBD promoted OSCC progression through NF-κB signaling. Our findings indicated that UBD played a critical role in OSCC and may serve as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for OSCC treatment.

• Journal of Breast Cancer
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.363-370
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• 2018

Purpose: Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer among women worldwide, and therefore, improved approaches for its early detection are urgently needed. As microRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly recognized as critical regulators in tumorigenesis and possess excellent stability in plasma, this study focused on using miRNAs to develop a method for identifying noninvasive biomarkers. Methods: To discover critical candidates, differential expression analysis was performed on tissue-originated miRNA profiles of 409 early breast cancer patients and 87 healthy controls from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. We selected candidates from the differentially expressed miRNAs and then evaluated every possible molecular signature formed by the candidates. The best signature was validated in independent serum samples from 113 early breast cancer patients and 47 healthy controls using reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: The miRNA candidates in our method were revealed to be associated with breast cancer according to previous studies and showed potential as useful biomarkers. When validated in independent serum samples, the area under curve of the final miRNA signature (miR-21-3p, miR-21-5p, and miR-99a-5p) was 0.895. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 97.9% and 73.5%, respectively. Conclusion: The present study established a novel and effective method to identify biomarkers for early breast cancer. And the method, is also suitable for other cancer types. Furthermore, a combination of three miRNAs was identified as a prospective biomarker for breast cancer early detection.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제32권12호
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• pp.1942-1949
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• 2019

Objective: Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) is associated with several physiological processes including inflammation, tumorigenesis, and natural killer T cell generation. Chicken LECT2 (chLECT2) gene was originally identified as one of the differentially expressed genes in chicken kidney tissue, where the chickens were fed with different calcium doses. In this study, the molecular characteristics and gene expression of chLECT2 were analyzed under the stimulation of toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) ligand to understand the involvement of chLECT2 expression in chicken metabolic disorders. Methods: Amino acid sequence of LECT2 proteins from various species including fowl, fish, and mammal were retrieved from the Ensembl database and subjected to Insilco analyses. In addition, the time- and dose-dependent expression of chLECT2 was examined in DF-1 cells which were stimulated with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly [I:C]), a TLR3 ligand. Further, to explore the transcription factors required for the transcription of chLECT2, DF-1 cells were treated with poly (I:C) in the presence or absence of the nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$ ($NF{\kappa}B$) and activated protein 1 (AP-1) inhibitors. Results: The amino acid sequence prediction of chLECT2 protein revealed that along with duck LECT2 (duLECT2), it has unique signal peptide different from other vertebrate orthologs, and only chLECT2 and duLECT2 have an additional 157 and 161 amino acids on their carboxyl terminus, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that chLECT2 is evolved from a common ancestor along with the actinopterygii hence, more closely related than to the mammals. Our quantitative polymerase chain reaction results showed that, the expression of chLECT2 was up-regulated significantly in DF-1 cells under the stimulation of poly (I:C) (p<0.05). However, in the presence of $NF{\kappa}B$ or AP-1 inhibitors, the expression of chLECT2 is suppressed suggesting that both $NF{\kappa}B$ and AP-1 transcription factors are required for the induction of chLECT2 expression. Conclusion: The present results suggest that chLECT2 gene might be a target gene of TLR3 signaling. For the future, the expression pattern or molecular mechanism of chLECT2 under stimulation of other innate immune receptors shall be studied. The protein function of chLECT2 will be more clearly understood if further investigation about the mechanism of LECT2 in TLR pathways is conducted.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제31권2호
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• pp.248-255
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• 2021

유선종양은 암컷 개에서 가장 흔한 암 중의 하나이며 종양 타입에 따라 조직학적으로 다양한 종류의 세포들이 존재한다. 특히, 복합 상피암종(complex carcinoma)의 경우 내강상피세포(luminal epithelium)와 근상피세포(myoepithelium)가 혼재되어 종양 내 세포 이형성(intra-tumoral heterogeneity)을 보인다. 하지만, 이러한 다양한 종양세포의 기원과 종양의 악성화에 미치는 영향에 대해서는 아직 밝혀진 바 없다. 최근, 여러 종류의 사람 종양에서 알려진 종양줄기세포는 종양 내 세포의 다양성(diversity)에 관여하고 악성화에도 기여할 수 있다고 보고되었다. 흥미롭게도 종양줄기세포는 자가재생능과 다분화능을 갖는 정상줄기세포와 동일한 능력을 가지고 있지만 종양 특이 유전자의 돌연변이와 줄기세포성격유지를 조절하는 신호전달체계에 문제가 있어 종양의 발생 시작부터 다른 조직으로의 전이에 관여하여 개체의 생존률에 직접적인 영향을 준다. 뿐만 아니라, 방사선 및 화학항암제에 대한 저항성을 보이기 때문에 종양 재발에 밀접하게 연관되어 있다. 본 리뷰 논문은 개 유선종양의 특성 및 종류, 종양줄기세포의 정의, 분리 방법, 임상학적 중요성에 대해서 정리하였다.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제44권1호
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• pp.26-37
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• 2021

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause cellular hyperproliferation-associated abnormalities including cervical cancer. The HPV genome encodes two major viral oncoproteins, E6 and E7, which recruit various host proteins by direct interaction for proteasomal degradation. Recently, we reported the structure of HPV18 E7 conserved region 3 (CR3) bound to the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) domain of PTPN14, a well-defined tumor suppressor, and found that this intermolecular interaction plays a key role in E7-driven transformation and tumorigenesis. In this study, we carried out a molecular analysis of the interaction between CR3 of HPV18 E7 and the PTP domain of PTPN21, a PTP protein that shares high sequence homology with PTPN14 but is putatively oncogenic rather than tumor-suppressive. Through the combined use of biochemical tools, we verified that HPV18 E7 and PTPN21 form a 2:2 complex, with a dissociation constant of 5 nM and a nearly identical binding manner with the HPV18 E7 and PTPN14 complex. Nevertheless, despite the structural similarities, the biological consequences of the E7 interaction were found to differ between the two PTP proteins. Unlike PTPN14, PTPN21 did not appear to be subjected to proteasomal degradation in HPV18-positive HeLa cervical cancer cells. Moreover, knockdown of PTPN21 led to retardation of the migration/invasion of HeLa cells and HPV18 E7-expressing HaCaT keratinocytes, which reflects its protumor activity. In conclusion, the associations of the viral oncoprotein E7 with PTPN14 and PTPN21 are similar at the molecular level but play different physiological roles.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제45권10호
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• pp.718-728
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• 2022

Splicing factor B subunit 4 (SF3B4), a component of the U2-pre-mRNA spliceosomal complex, contributes to tumorigenesis in several types of tumors. However, the oncogenic potential of SF3B4 in lung cancer has not yet been determined. The in vivo expression profiles of SF3B4 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from publicly available data revealed a significant increase in SF3B4 expression in tumor tissues compared to that in normal tissues. The impact of SF3B4 deletion on the growth of NSCLC cells was determined using a siRNA strategy in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. SF3B4 silencing resulted in marked retardation of the A549 cell proliferation, accompanied by the accumulation of cells at the G0/G1 phase and increased expression of p27, p21, and p53. Double knockdown of SF3B4 and p53 resulted in the restoration of p21 expression and partial recovery of cell proliferation, indicating that the p53/p21 axis is involved, at least in part, in the SF3B4-mediated regulation of A549 cell proliferation. We also provided ubiquitination factor E4B (UBE4B) is essential for p53 accumulation after SF3B4 depletion based on followings. First, co-immunoprecipitation showed that SF3B4 interacts with UBE4B. Furthermore, UBE4B levels were decreased by SF3B4 depletion. UBE4B depletion, in turn, reproduced the outcome of SF3B4 depletion, including reduction of polyubiquitinated p53 levels, subsequent induction of p53/p21 and p27, and proliferation retardation. Collectively, our findings indicate the important role of SF3B4 in the regulation of A549 cell proliferation through the UBE4B/p53/p21 axis and p27, implicating the therapeutic strategies for NSCLC targeting SF3B4 and UBE4B.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.241-248
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• 2022

NF-κB는 염증과 선천성 면역에 중요한 전사인자이며 anti-apoptotic gene을 유도하여 세포의 생존과 발암에도 깊이 연관되어 있으며 많은 신호전달분자 및 신호전달회로와 연결되어있다. 한편, Hsp90는 NF-κB의 활성을 조절한다는 보고가 이루어졌으나 그 구체적인 기전은 알려져 있지 않다. 본 연구에서는 IKK compelx를 구성하는 인자들의 발현 plasmid를 이용하여 NF-κB의 활성조절에서 Hsp90와 IKKγ의 연관성 및 역할을 연구하였다. 그 결과 Hsp90는 IκBα의 인산화와 분해를 촉진하여 NF-κB를 활성화시켰고, NIK과 LPS에 의한 NF-κB의 활성화는 Hsp90에 의해 더욱 활성이 증가하였다. IKKγ는 Hsp90에 의해 증가된 IκBα의 인산화와 분해를 더욱 촉진함으로써 Hsp90의 NF-κB 활성화 작용을 상승시켰다. 이러한 Hsp90와 IKKγ에 의한 NF-κB의 활성화 현상은 항상 활성화 된 상태를 유지하는 IKKβ-EE mutant를 이용한 검토에서도 입증되었다. 또한 IKKγ의 deletion mutant를 이용한 검토에서 IKKγ의 N-말단에 위치하는 IKKβ 결합부위와 C-말단에 위치하는 leucine zipper 및 zinc finger 부위는 IKKγ와 Hsp90의 NF-κB에 대한 상호협력적 촉진작용에 필요하지 않았다. 또한 Hsp90에 의해 촉진된 세포내 pro-inflammatory cytokine들의 발현은 IKKγ에 의해 더욱 상승하였다. 이러한 결과로부터 Hsp90와 IKKγ의 상호작용을 차단한다면 NF-κB의 과다활성으로 인한 질병의 예방과 치료에 도움을 줄 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제33권6호
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• pp.523-529
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• 2023

유비퀴틴-프로테아좀 시스템은 E1-E2-E3 효소의 작용으로 단백질 안정성을 조절하며 이를 통해 진핵 세포 내 광범위한 과정을 조절한다. 특히 DNA 수리, 세포 주기, 전이, 혈관형성 및 사멸과 같은 종양의 생장 과정에서 주요한 역할을 하는데 이 과정에서 유비퀴틴 접합 효소인 UBE2는 활성화된 유비퀴틴을 타깃 단백질에 이동시켜주는 중간 매개체 역할을 한다. UBE2는 인간에게서 40개가 존재하며 이는 촉매 도메인의 확장 유무에 따라 4개의 그룹으로 분류된다. 최근 UBE2의 타깃 단백질의 특정 위치를 인식하는 기질 특이성에 대한 연구가 증가하는 추세이다. 특히 암에서 발현이 높은 UBE2는 암 환자의 나쁜 예후와 상관관계가 있어 종양 형성에서 UBE2의 중요성이 강조되고 있다. 본 총설에서는 암에서 UBE2의 역할에 대한 최신 연구 결과 및 동향에 대해 기술하였다. 또한 UBE2에 관한 기초 지식 및 분자적 메커니즘을 제공함으로써 궁극적으로는 UBE2가 종양 치료의 새로운 타깃이 될 수 있음을 시사한다.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제27권6호
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• pp.521-531
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• 2023

Transmembrane protein TMEM16A, which encodes calcium-activated chloride channel has been implicated in tumorigenesis. Overexpression of TMEM16A is associated with poor prognosis and low overall survival in multiple cancers including lung adenocarcinoma, making it a promising biomarker and therapeutic target. In this study, three structure-related sesquiterpene lactones (mecheliolide, costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone) were extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Aucklandiae Radix and identified as novel TMEM16A inhibitors with comparable inhibitory effects. Their effects on the proliferation and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells were examined. Whole-cell patch clamp experiments showed that these sesquiterpene lactones potently inhibited recombinant TMEM16A currents in a concentration-dependent manner. The half-maximal concentration (IC50) values for three tested sesquiterpene lactones were 29.9 ± 1.1 µM, 19.7 ± 0.4 µM, and 24.5 ± 2.1 µM, while the maximal effect (E_max) values were 100.0% ± 2.8%, 85.8% ± 0.9%, and 88.3% ± 4.6%, respectively. These sesquiterpene lactones also significantly inhibited the endogenous TMEM16A currents and proliferation, and migration of LA795 lung cancer cells. These results demonstrate that mecheliolide, costunolide and dehydrocostus lactone are novel TMEM16A inhibitors and potential candidates for lung adenocarcinoma therapy.