• Applied Microscopy
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.53-64
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• 1995

This study was designed to investigate the morphological alterations of zonula occludens, macula adherences and gap junctions between the hepatocytes in the fasting conditions. Animals (Sprague Dawley, $250{\sim}280g$) were divided into two groups: normal and fasting. The latter were fasted for eight days prior to sampling. Liver tissues were sectioned and replicated after freeze fracturing for the transmission electron microscopy. In the normal rat liver, the interhepatocellular space at the area of some zonula occludens appeared to be widened in thin sections. On the freeze fracture replicas., the zonula occludens appeared as an anastomosing network of $2{\sim}4$ strands or grooves on P or E faces. Free ends and fragments of the strands were observed. In the rat fasted for eight days, the hepatocytes were diminished in size and the organelles were decreased in number and size. The intercellular space was wide at many areas of zonula occludens in thin section. On the freeze fracture replicas, the zonula occludens showed diminution or disappearence of anastomosing network of strands or grooves. Free ends and small fragments of the strands or grooves were frequently encountered. The macula adherens was markedly increased in number in thin sections, although they could not be found on the freeze fracture replicas. The gap junctions were increased in number in thin sections. Small aggregations of the intramembranous particles appeared with larger ones on the freeze fracture replica. The evidences may suggest the followings: (1) The disassembly of zonula occludens in the fasting states is led from the diminished mechanical stress on the luminal surface of bile canaliculus with the impaired secretion of bile components from the hepatocytes. (2) The increase of macula adherens is necessary to maintain the liver parenchyma integrity in the fasting state which leads the hepatocyte to be diminished and finally the intercellular space to be separated. (3) The rise in both number and size of gap junctions is owing to the need of increasing intercellular communication between the hepatocytes during the fasting. (4) The alteration of zonula occludens is easily led by the physiological condition of hepatocytes even in the normal ones.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.580-586
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• 2014

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) forming the barrier for the first-line of protection are interconnected by tight junction (TJ) proteins. TJ alteration results in impaired barrier function, which causes potentially excessive inflammation leading to intestinal disorders. It has been suggested that toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 ligands and some bacteria enhance epithelial barrier function in humans and mice. However, no such study has yet to be claimed in swine. The aim of the present study was to examine whether Bacillus subtilis could improve barrier integrity and protection against deoxynivalenol (DON)-induced barrier disruption in porcine intestinal epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2). We found that B. subtilis decreased permeability of TJ and improved the expression of zonula occludens (ZO)-1 and occludin during the process of forming TJ. In addition, ZO-1 expression of IPEC-J2 cells treated with B. subtilis was up-regulated against DON-induced damage. In conclusion, B. subtilis may have potential to enhance epithelial barrier function and to prevent the cells from DON-induced barrier dysfunction.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.279-285
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• 2024

The zonula occludens (ZO) protein serves as a scaffolding protein, providing structural support at the junctions between cells and the cytoplasmic surface. It acts as a bridge between integral membrane proteins and the cytoskeleton. Besides its structural role, it also participates in regulating cell growth and proliferation. Recent studies have highlighted the involvement of ZO protein in various diseases, including cancer. Specifically, research has indicated that ZO protein influences the cancer microenvironment surrounding cancer cells, thereby facilitating their growth and development. ZO proteins exert diverse functions in the cancer microenvironment, impacting processes such as angiogenesis, inflammatory responses, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and interactions with mesenchymal stem cells. The specific mechanisms vary depending on the type of cancer and environmental conditions. Recent research unveiled several signaling pathways involving ZO protein, which could potentially impede cancer progression in the tumor microenvironment. Consequently, these insights open avenues for novel treatment strategies. While the numerous physiological, structural, and morphological roles of ZO protein have been observed at the cellular and in vivo levels, understanding the signaling mechanisms it operates in vivo and how these mechanisms influence the cancer microenvironment remains a challenge. In this review, we delineate the characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of ZO protein in the context of the cancer microenvironment. Additionally, we propose leveraging the properties of ZO protein to devise defense mechanisms within the cancer cell environment and provide an overview of its in vivo role.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.3
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• pp.500-514
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• 2022

The blood-epididymis barrier (BEB) forms a unique microenvironment that is crucial for the maturation, protection, transport, and storage of spermatozoa in the epididymis. To characterize the function of tight junctions (TJs), which are constitutive components of the BEB, we determined the expression and localization of TJ proteins such as zonula occludens (ZO)-1, 2, and 3, occludin, and claudin3 (Cldn3) during postnatal development in the goat epididymis. To assess the expression patterns of TJ proteins in immature (3 months of age) and mature (14 months of age) goat epididymides, two different experimental methods were used including immunofluorescence labeling and western blotting. We show that, ZO-1, 2, and 3, and occludin, were strictly expressed and localized to the TJs of the goat epididymis, whereas Cldn3 was present in basolateral membranes as well as TJs. All TJ proteins examined were more highly expressed in the immature epididymis compared to levels in mature tissue. In conclusion, our study indicates that at least five TJ proteins, namely ZO-1, ZO-2, ZO-3, occludin, and Cldn3, are present in TJs, and the expression strength and pattern of TJ proteins tend to be age dependent in the goat epididymis. Together, these data suggest that the distinct expression patterns of TJ proteins are essential for regulating components of the luminal contents in the epididymal epithelium and for forming adequate luminal conditions that are necessary for the maturation, protection, transport, and storage of spermatozoa in the goat epididymis.

• Proceedings of the Korean Biophysical Society Conference
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• 2001.06a
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• pp.21-21
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• 2001

PDZ domains are molecular-recognition elements that mediate protein-protein interactions. The PDZ domain was discovered originally as a common motif present in three structurally related proteins： PSD-95 (postsynaptic density protein), Dlg (discs-large protein) and ZQ-1 (zonula occludens-1). The PDZ domain is globular domain, containing about 80-100 amino acids, and a conserved motif with two alpha helices and six beta strands. Most of them bind selectively to the C-termini of the interacting proteins at the complexes of signaling molecules and membrane associated receptors.(omitted)

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.101-112
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• 2015

A type of cell junction that is formed between different parts within the same cell is called autotypic cell junction. Autotypic junction proteins form tight junctions found between membrane lamellae of a cell, especially in myelinating glial cells. Some of them have postsynaptic density-95/disks large/zonula occludens-1 (PDZ) domains, which interact with the carboxyl (C)-terminal PDZ-binding motif of other proteins. PDZ domains are protein-protein interaction modules that play a role in protein complex assembly. The PDZ domain, which is widespread in bacteria, plants, yeast, metazoans, and Drosophila, allows the assembly of large multi-protein complexes. The multi-protein complexes act in intracellular signal transduction, protein targeting, and membrane polarization. The identified PDZ domain-containing proteins located at autotypic junctions include zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), ZO-2, pals-1-associated tight junction protein (PATJ), multi-PDZ domain proteins (MUPPs), membrane-associated guanylate kinase inverted 2 (MAGI2), and protease-activated receptor (PAR)-3. PAR-3 interacts with atypical protein kinase C and PAR-6, forming a ternary complex, which plays an important role in the regulation of cell polarity. MAGI2 interacts with ${\alpha}$-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) receptor at excitatory synapses. PATJ is detected in paranodal loops associated with claudin-1. On the other hand, MUPP1 is found in mesaxons and Schmidt-Lanterman incisures with claudin-5. ZO-1, ZO-2, and PAR-3 are found at all three sites. Different distributions of PDZ domain-containing proteins affect the development of autotypic junctions. In this review, we will describe PDZ domain-containing proteins at autotypic tight junctions in myelinating Schwann cells and their roles.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.30 no.10
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• pp.1480-1487
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• 2020

Our previous report determined that miR-144 is a key regulator of intestinal epithelial permeability in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) rats. Recent evidence has shown that lactobacilli play an important role in the relief of IBS-D symptoms. However, few studies have addressed the mechanisms by which microRNAs and lactobacilli exert their beneficial effects on intestinal epithelial permeability. Hence, to elucidate whether miRNAs and lactobacilli play roles in intestinal epithelial barrier regulation, we compared miRNA expression levels in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) under Lactobacillus casei (L. casei LC01) treatment. IECs and L. casei LC01 were co-cultured and then subjected to microRNA microarray assay. qRT-PCR, western blot and ELISA were used to detect the expression of occludin (OCLN) and zonula occludens 1 (ZO1/TJP1). The interaction between miRNAs and L. casei LC01 acting in IECs was investigated through transfection of RNA oligoribonucleotides and pcDNA 3.1 plasmid. The results are as follows: 1) L. casei LC01 decreased the expression of miR-144 and FD4 and promoted OCLN and ZO1 expression in IECs; 2) L. casei LC01 enhanced the barrier function of IECs via downregulation of miR-144 and upregulation of OCLN and ZO1; 3) Under L. casei LC01 treatment, OCLN and ZO1 overexpression could partially eliminate the promoting effect of miR-144 on intestinal permeability in IECs. Our results demonstrate that L. casei LC01 regulates intestinal permeability of IECs through miR-144 targeting of OCLN and ZO1. L. casei LC01 can be a possible therapeutic target for managing dysfunction of the intestinal epithelial barrier.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.87-101
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• 1997

The development of trachea in fetuses on 60, 90 and 120 days of gestation and neonates of Korean native goats was investigated by microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The results were summarized as follows; Light microscopic studies: 1. In the 60-day-old fetuses, the tracheal walls were differentiated and divided into four layers of the mucosa, submucosa, muscle and cartilage, and adventitia. The tracheal epithelium is composed of stratified ciliated columnar epithelium at 60- and 90-day-old fetuses while the epithelium observed at 120-day-old fetuses was pseudostraified ciliated colummar epithelium. 2. In the 90-day-old fetuses, tracheal glands extended into the submucosa and peripheral area of the tracheal cartilage. The blood vessels were observed in the submucosa and adventitia. The elastic and collagenous fibers were observed in the tracheal walls. 3. In the neonates, the tracheal walls consisted of mucosa with well-developed folds, submucosa, tracheal glands, muscle and cartilage, collagenous and elastic fibers, and adventitia, which were more developed than those of 120-day-old fetuses. The tracheal epithelium was developed as that in adults. Scanning electron microscopic studies: 4. In the 60-day-old fetuses, most of tracheal epithelial cells were nonciliated but short microvilli were sporadically observed on the luminal surface. On rare occasions, a few cells have solitary cilium. 5. In the 90-day-old fetuses, the ciliated cells appeared increasingly and cilia elongated longer than those of 60-day-old fetuses. 6. In the 120-day-old fetuses, the nonciliated cells covered with microvilli in dome-shape were barriered by thick carpet of cilia. The nonciliated cells also have many papillary projectons on the apical surface. 7. In the neonates, the nonciliated cells in tracheal epithelium were covered compactly with numerous cilia, and many secretory droplets were found on the cilia. Transmission electron microscopic studies: 8. In the 60-day-old fetuses, nonciliated cells of the tracheal epithelium contain large amounts of glycogen granules in the supernuclear and subnuclear areas meanwhile a few cell organelles were formed. Cilia were well formed along the apical cell membranes of the ciliated cells. Also found in the ciliated cells were basal corpuscles, mitochondria and short chains in granular endoplasmic reticulum(GER). Between the epithelial cells presented were well-defined junctional complex with zonula occludens and desmosomes. The nuclei were variable in size and shape. The more developed nucleoli were observed conspicuosly. 9. In the 90-day-old fetuses, nonciliated cells contained large glycogen granules. Accumulated glycogen granules were observed in the subnuclear and supranuclear portion of the cytoplasm. A few short microvilli were covered with glycocalyx. Ciliated cells contained numerous mitochondria and short chains of GER. 10. In the 120-day-old fetuses, the ciliated cells contained numerous mitochondria, abundant short chains of GER and nucleoli. Nonciliated cells contained some Golgi complex and mitochondria. The cell borders were well-defined and distinct junctional complex with zonula occludens, desmosomes, and interdigitorum. 11. In the neonates, well-developed goblet cells were observed in the tracheal epithelium. Ultrastructures of ciliated and nonciliated cells on the tracheal epithelia were similar in pattern as those in adults.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.94-99
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• 2013

Proteinuric conditions demonstrate structural and compositional changes of the foot processes and slit diaphragms between podocytes. p130Cas in podocytes serves as an adapter protein anchoring glomerular basement membrane to actin filaments of podocyte cytoskeleton. To investigate the effect of ginseng total saponin (GTS) on the pathologic changes of podocyte p130Cas induced by diabetic conditions, we cultured mouse podocytes under: 1) normal glucose (5 mM, control); 2) high glucose (HG, 30 mM); 3) advanced glycosylation endproducts (AGE)-added; or 4) HG plus AGE-added conditions and treated with GTS. In confocal imaging, p130Cas colocalized with zonula occludens-1 and synaptopodin connecting to F-actin. However, diabetic conditions relocalized p130Cas molecules at perinuclear cytoplasmic area and reduced the intensity of p130Cas. In Western blotting, diabetic conditions, especially HG plus AGE-added condition, decreased cellular p130Cas protein levels at 24 and 48 h. GTS improved such quantitative and qualitative changes. These findings imply that HG and AGE have an influence on the redistribution and amount of p130Cas of podocytes, which can be reversed by GTS.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.147-152
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• 2002

The morphological development of colonic epithelia in fetuses between 60-. 90-, and 120-days gestation and neonates of Korean native goat were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. In the 60-day-old fetuses, the colonic epithelial cells contained nuclei, nucleoli, mitochondria, free ribosomes, and shoo granular and agranular endoplasmic reticula. The zonula occludens, zonula adherens, desmosomes, short microvilli, and masses of glycogen granules were also obsrved. The goblet cells contained a few secretory granules. In the 90-day-old fetuses, the cell organelles of the colonic epithelial cells were better developed than those in the 60 day old fetuses. Increased number of endoplasmic reticula, digitiform intercellular junctions, mitochondria, and Golgi complexes was observed. The goblet cells contained a lot of secretory granules. In the 120-day-old fetuses, the colonic epithelial cells contained long microvilli and well developed cell organelles. The nuclear cleft and large intercellular space were also appeared. Nunerous fibroblasts were seen in the basement membrane. The number of goblet cells was further observed. In the 120 day old fetuses, all colonic epithelial cells shape simple columnar cells. In newborns, the colonic epithelial cells were covered with extensive microvilli. There were many goblet cells with a lot of secretory granules protruding into the intestinal lumen, and some goblet cells secreted their secretory granules into the lumen. In the 60-and 90-day-old fetuses, the colonic epithelial cells appeared to be either simple columnar or stratified columnar depending on areas.