• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제37권2호
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• pp.176-186
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• 2013

In this study, we have investigated the effects of total saponin from Korean red ginseng (TSKRG) on thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. TSKRG dose-dependently inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation with $IC_{50}$ value of about 81.1 ${\mu}g/mL$. In addition, TSKRG dose-dependently decreased thrombin-elevated the level of cytosolic-free $Ca^{2+}$ ($[Ca^{2+}]_i$), one of aggregation-inducing molecules. Of two $Ca^{2+}$-antagonistic cyclic nucleotides as aggregation-inhibiting molecules, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), TSKRG significantly dose-dependently elevated intracellular level of cAMP, but not cGMP. In addition, TSKRG dose-dependently inhibited thrombin-elevated adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release from platelets. These results suggest that the suppression of $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ elevation, and of ATP release by TSKRG are associated with upregulation of cAMP. TSKRG elevated the phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP)-$Ser^{157}$, a cAMP-dependent protein kinase (A-kinase) substrate, but not the phosphorylation of VASP-$Ser^{239}$, a cGMP-dependent protein kinase substrate, in thrombin-activated platelets. We demonstrate that TSKRG involves in increase of cAMP level and subsequent elevation of VASP-$Ser^{157}$ phosphorylation through A-kinase activation to inhibit $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ mobilization and ATP release in thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. These results strongly indicate that TSKRG is a beneficial herbal substance elevating cAMP level in thrombin-platelet interaction, which may result in preventing of platelet aggregation-mediated thrombotic diseases.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.79-94
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• 2011

Background: Dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines are currently being evaluated as a novel strategy for tumor vaccination and immunotherapy. However, inducing long-term regression in established tumor-implanted mice is difficult. Here, we show that deoxypohophyllotoxin (DPT) induces maturation and activation of bone marrow-derived DCs via Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 activation of MAPK and NF-${\kappa}B$. Methods: The phenotypic and functional maturation of DPT-treated DCs was assessed by flow cytometric analysis and cytokine production, respectively. DPT-treated DCs was also used for mixed leukocyte reaction to evaluate T cell-priming capacity and for tumor regression against melanoma. Results: DPT promoted the activation of $CD8^+$ T cells and the Th1 immune response by inducing IL-12 production in DCs. In a B16F10 melanoma-implanted mouse model, we demonstrated that DPT-treated DCs (DPT-DCs) enhance immune priming and regression of an established tumor in vivo. Furthermore, migration of DPT-DCs to the draining lymph nodes was induced via CCR7 upregulation. Mice that received DPT-DCs displayed enhanced antitumor therapeutic efficacy, which was associated with increased IFN-${\gamma}$ production and induction of cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity. Conclusion: These findings strongly suggest that the adjuvant effect of DPT in DC vaccination is associated with the polarization of T effector cells toward a Th1 phenotype and provides a potential therapeutic antitumor immunity.

• BMB Reports
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• 제53권6호
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• pp.323-328
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• 2020

Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), a calcium-dependent zinccontaining collagenase, is involved in the initial degradation of native fibrillar collagen. Tissue necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is rapidly produced by dermal fibroblasts, monocytes/macrophages, and keratinocytes and regulates inflammation and damaged-tissue remodeling. MMP-1 is induced by TNFα and plays a critical role in tissue remodeling and skin aging processes. However, the regulation of the MMP1 gene by TNFα is not fully understood. We aimed to find additional cis-acting elements involved in the regulation of TNFα-induced MMP1 gene transcription in addition to the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein 1 (AP1) sites. Assessments of the 5'-regulatory region of the MMP1 gene, using a series of deletion constructs, revealed the requirement of the early growth response protein 1 (EGR-1)-binding sequence (EBS) in the proximal region for proper transcription by TNFα. Ectopic expression of EGR-1, a zinc-finger transcription factor that binds to G-C rich sequences, stimulated MMP1 promoter activity. The silencing of EGR-1 by RNA interference reduced TNFα-induced MMP-1 expression. EGR-1 directly binds to the proximal region and transactivates the MMP1 gene promoter. Mutation of the EBS within the MMP1 promoter abolished EGR-1-mediated MMP-1 promoter activation. These data suggest that EGR-1 is required for TNFα-induced MMP1 transcriptional activation. In addition, we found that all three MAPKs, ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 kinase, mediate TNFα-induced MMP-1 expression via EGR-1 upregulation. These results suggest that EGR-1 may represent a good target for the development of pharmaceutical agents to reduce inflammation-induced MMP-1 expression.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제41권1호
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• pp.43-51
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• 2017

Background: BIOGF1K, a compound K-rich fraction prepared from the root of Panax ginseng, is widely used for cosmetic purposes in Korea. We investigated the functional mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities of BIOGF1K by discovering target enzymes through various molecular studies. Methods: We explored the inhibitory mechanisms of BIOGF1K using lipopolysaccharide-mediated inflammatory responses, reporter gene assays involving overexpression of toll-like receptor adaptor molecules, and immunoblotting analysis. We used the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay to measure the antioxidative activity. We cotransfected adaptor molecules, including the myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) and Toll/interleukin-receptor domain containing adaptor molecule-inducing interferon-${\beta}$ (TRIF), to measure the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-${\kappa}B$ and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). Results: BIOGF1K suppressed lipopolysaccharide-triggered NO release in macrophages as well as DPPH-induced electron-donating activity. It also blocked lipopolysaccharide-induced mRNA levels of interferon-${\beta}$ and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Moreover, BIOGF1K diminished the translocation and activation of IRF3 and NF-${\kappa}B$ (p50 and p65). This extract inhibited the upregulation of NF-${\kappa}B$-linked luciferase activity provoked by phorbal-12-myristate-13 acetate as well as MyD88, TRIF, and inhibitor of ${\kappa}B$ ($I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$) kinase ($IKK{\beta}$), and IRF3-mediated luciferase activity induced by TRIF and TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1). Finally, BIOGF1K downregulated the NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway by blocking $IKK{\beta}$ and the IRF3 pathway by inhibiting TBK1, according to reporter gene assays, immunoblotting analysis, and an AKT/$IKK{\beta}$/TBK1 overexpression strategy. Conclusion: Overall, our data suggest that the suppression of $IKK{\beta}$ and TBK1, which mediate transcriptional regulation of NF-${\kappa}B$ and IRF3, respectively, may contribute to the broad-spectrum inhibitory activity of BIOGF1K.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.411-418
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• 2017

Background: Recently, protein from ginseng was studied and used for the treatment of several kinds of diseases. However, the effect of ginseng total protein (GTP) on proliferation and wound healing in fibroblast cells remains unclear. Methods: In this study, cell viability was analyzed using the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. Cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometer. The levels of transforming growth factor ${\beta}1$, vascular endothelial growth factor, and collagens were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence staining. The expressions of cyclin A, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase (p-ERK1/2), and ERK1/2 were analyzed by Western blotting. Results: Our results showed that GTP promoted cell proliferation and increased the percentage of cells in S phase through the upregulation of cyclin A in NIH/3T3 cells. We also found that GTP induced the secretion of type I collagen, and promoted the expression of other factors that regulate the synthesis of collagen such as transforming growth factor ${\beta}1$ and vascular endothelial growth factor. In addition, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 at Thr202/Tyr204 was also increased by GTP. Conclusion: Our studies suggest that GTP promoted proliferation and secretion of collagen in NIH/3T3 cells by activating the ERK signal pathway, which shed light on a potential function of GTP in promoting wound healing.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제22권12호
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• pp.1600-1607
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• 2012

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)는 세포외골격의 주요 조절효소로, 배아발생, 혈관생성, 상처치료 및 조직 재생과정에 중요한 인자로 알려져 있다. MMP의 조절 이상은 비정상적 세포외골격 분해로 인해 암 전이와 같은 질병을 일으킨다. 따라서, MMP의 발현과 활성은 엄격하게 조절되고 있다. 최근, 초파리 Mmp1이 소화기관에서 강하게 발현되며, 장줄기세포의 비정상적인 활성을 억제하여 장의 항상성 유지에 중요함을 밝혔다. 하지만, 장조직에서 Mmp1의 발현 조절 기전은 아직 밝혀지지 않았다. 본 연구에서는, 장조직에서 Mmp1의 발현이 장 발생과 항상성 유지에 중요한 Caudal homeobox 유전자에 의해 조절되는지를 연구하였다. GAL4/UAS 조절계를 이용하여 장조직 특이적으로 Caudal의 발현을 감소시켰을 때, Mmp1의 발현이 감소함을 확인하였으며, Caudal을 과발현 시켰을 때, Mmp1의 발현이 증가함을 in vitro와 in vivo 실험 모두에서 확인하였다. 또한, Mmp1 promoter에 Caudal 전사인자 결합 부위가 존재하며, 이 부위가 Mmp1 발현에 중요한 역할을 함을 확인하였다. 이상의 본 연구는, 정상적 혹은 암화 과정에서 Mmp1이 Caudal의 표적 유전자일 수 있음을 의미한다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제22권10호
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• pp.1277-1285
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• 2012

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)은 암세포 선택적으로 작용하므로서 유용한 항암제로 주목 받고 있다. 그러나, TRAIL 에 내성을 나타내는 암세포도 많이 존재한다. 그러므로 TRAIL 내성을 극복할 수 있는 방법을 고안하는 연구는 암 치료 요법에 매우 중요하다. 본 연구에서는 SIRT1 siRNA 또는 SIRT1 inhibitor인 amurensin G를 사람 유방암세포에 처리하면 DR5및 c-Myc의 발현 증강과 c-$FLIP_{L/S}$ 및 Mcl-1 발현 억제를 유도하므로서, TRAIL 에 내성을 나타내는 사람유방암세포 MCF-7 세포의 TRAIL 감수성을 증강시킴을 알 수 있었다. 또한, SIRT1 억제에 의한 caspase 활성화, PARP cleavage 및 Bcl-2 발현감소를 나타내었다. 이러한 연구결과는 SIRT1 저해에 의한 DR5 유도와 함께 c-FLIP 발현 억제가 TRAIL 내성 암세포의 TRAIL 반응성 증강에 유용한 기전으로 사용 될 수 있음을 시사하였다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제24권9호
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• pp.927-934
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• 2014

혈근초(Sanguinaria canadensis) 뿌리에서 유래된 benzophenanthridine alkaloid의 일종인 sanguinarine은 항균, 항산화 및 항암작용 등 다양한 생리활성을 지니고 있는 것으로 알려져 있다. 비록 TRAIL이 암세포에서는 apoptosis를 유도하지만 정상세포에서는 세포독성을 나타내지 않는다는 큰 장점으로 제 2 임상 단계에서 유의적인 성과를 이루었지만, TRAIL 저항성을 극복해야 하는 큰 어려움이 남아있다. 본 연구실에서는 TRAIL이 세포독성을 나타내지 않는 범위의 sanguinarine과 혼합처리에 의하여 TRAIL 저항성 AGS 위암세포에서 apoptosis를 유발하였음을 보고한 바 있으며, 본 연구에서는 sanguinarine의 TRAIL 저항성 관련 극복에 대한 추가적인 기전 연구를 실시하였다. 본 연구의 결과에 의하면, sanguinarine과 TRAIL의 혼합처리는 각각의 단독 처리에 비하여 AGS 세포의 증식억제 및 apoptosis 유도의 상승 효과가 있었으며, 이를 MTT assay, agarode gel 전기영동, 염색질 응축 현상 및 flow cytometry 분석을 통하여 확인하였다. 또한 sanguinarine과 TRAIL의 혼합처리는 DR5의 발현을 증가시켰으며, ROS의 생성을 촉진시켰다. 그러나 동일 조건에서 MAPKs 신호 전달계에는 큰 영향을 주지 않았다. 아울러 ROS 생성을 인위적으로 차단하였을 경우, sanguinarine과 TRAIL의 혼합처리에 의한 생존도 저하가 유의적으로 회복되었다. 이러한 결과는 sanguinarine과 TRAIL이 DR5의 발현 증가와 ROS의 생성을 촉진시킴으로서 apoptosis 신호를 활성화하였음을 의미하는 결과로서 TRAIL 저항성 극복을 위한 sanguinarine 활용의 유용성을 보여주는 것이다.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제40권7호
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• pp.476-484
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• 2017

C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) stimulates cancer metastasis. NF-${\kappa}B$ regulates CXCR4 expression in cancer cells, and O-GlcNAc modification of NF-${\kappa}B$ promotes its transcriptional activity. Here, we determined whether CXCR4 expression is affected by O-GlcNAcylation of NF-${\kappa}B$ in lung metastasis of cervical cancer. We found elevated levels of O-linked-N-actylglucosamine transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcylation in cervical cancer cells compared to those in non-malignant epithelial cells and detected increased expression of NF-${\kappa}B$ p65 (p65) and CXCR4 in cervical cancer cells. Knockdown of OGT inhibited the O-GlcNAcylation of p65 and decreased CXCR4 expression levels in HeLa cells. Thiamet G treatment increased O-GlcNAcylated p65, which subsequently enhanced CXCR4 expression levels. Inhibition of O-GlcNAcylation by 6-Diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON) treatment decreased p65 activation, eventually inhibiting CXCR4 expression in HeLa cells. Lung tissues from mice engrafted with OGT-knockdown HeLa cells (shOGT) exhibited lower expression of Ki-67 and HPV E6 and E7 oncogenes compared to lung tissues from mice engrafted with control HeLa cells (shCTL). In addition, lung tissues from mice engrafted with shOGT cells exhibited lower p65 and CXCR4 immunoreactivity compared to tissues from mice engrafted with shCTL cells. Taken together, our data suggest that p65 O-GlcNAcylation promotes lung metastasis of cervical cancer cells by activating CXCR4 expression.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
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• 제8권2호
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• pp.99-111
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• 2004

난소가 제거된 생쥐를 이용하여 자궁조직에서의 ADAM-8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 17, 그리고 ADAMTS-1의 유전자의 발현이 생식호르몬에 의하여 조절되는 지를 알아보았다. 암컷 생쥐의 난소를 제거하고, 2주후에 sesame oil, 17 ${\beta}$-estradiol ($E_2$), progesterone ($P_4$ 혹은 이 둘 혼합액 ($E_2+P_4$)을 피하 주사하였다. RT-PCR 방법을 이용하여 유전자 전사체의 발현을 조사한 결과 ADAM-8, 12, 그리고 17은 oil을 주사하거나 $P_4$만을 주사한 군보다 $E_2$를 주사한 군에서 자궁조직에서의 mRNA의 양이 현저하게 증가하였다. 반면 ADAM-9, 10, 15, 그리고 ADAMTS-1은 oil을 주사하거나 $E_2$만을 주사한 군보다 $P_4$를 주사한 군에서 mRNA의 양이 현저하게 증가하였다. 또한 단백질의 발현양상의 결과도 RT-PCR의 결과와 동일하게 관찰되었다. 이러한 결과로 미루어 ADAM-8, 12, 그리고 17은 17 ${\beta}$-estradiol에 의하여, ADAM-9, 10, 15, 그리고 ADAMTS-1은 progesterone에 의하여 유전자의 발현이 upregulation 되는 것으로 생각되어진다.