• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.676-686
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• 2013

Background To overcome the potential drawbacks of a short half-life and dose-related adverse effects of using active transforming growth factor-beta 1 for cartilage engineering, a cell-mediated latent growth factor activation strategy was developed incorporating latent transforming growth factor-${\beta}$1 (LTGF) into an electrospun poly(L-lactide) scaffold. Methods The electrospun scaffold was surface modified with NH3 plasma and biofunctionalised with LTGF to produce both random and orientated biofunctionalised electrospun scaffolds. Scaffold surface chemical analysis and growth factor bioavailability assays were performed. In vitro biocompatibility and human nasal chondrocyte gene expression with these biofunctionalised electrospun scaffold templates were assessed. In vivo chondrogenic activity and chondrocyte gene expression were evaluated in athymic rats. Results Chemical analysis demonstrated that LTGF anchored to the scaffolds was available for enzymatic, chemical and cell activation. The biofunctionalised scaffolds were non-toxic. Gene expression suggested chondrocyte re-differentiation after 14 days in culture. By 6 weeks, the implanted biofunctionalised scaffolds had induced highly passaged chondrocytes to re-express Col2A1 and produce type II collagen. Conclusions We have demonstrated a proof of concept for cell-mediated activation of anchored growth factors using a novel biofunctionalised scaffold in cartilage engineering. This presents a platform for development of protein delivery systems and for tissue engineering.

• Biomaterials and Biomechanics in Bioengineering
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.81-93
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• 2014

An in vitro cell study evaluating cell adhesion to hydroxyapatite (HA) coated prosthetic Ti-6Al-4V alloy via laser treatment is presented in comparison with uncoated alloy. Based on our previous in vitro biocompatibility study, which demonstrated higher cell attachment and proliferation with MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells, the present investigation aims to reveal the effect of laser coating Ti alloy with HA on the adhesion strength of bone-forming cells against centrifugal forces. Remaining cells on different substrates after centrifugation were visualized using fluorescent staining. Semi-quantifications on the numbers of cells were conducted based on fluorescent images, which demonstrated higher numbers of cells retained on HA laser treated substrates post centrifugation. The results indicate potential increase in the normalized maximum force required to displace cells from HA coated surfaces versus uncoated control surface. The possible mechanisms that govern the enhancing effect were discussed, including surface roughness, chemistry, wettability, and protein adsorption. The improvement in cell adhesion through laser treatment with a biomimetic coating could be useful in reducing tissue damage at the prosthetic to bone junction and minimizing the loosening of prosthetics over time.

• BMB Reports
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.369-374
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• 2011

MHC-I molecules play a critical role in immune surveillance against viruses by presenting peptides to cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Although the mechanisms by which MHC-I molecules assemble and acquire peptides in the ER are well characterized, how MHC-I molecules traffic to the cell surface remains poorly understood. To identify novel proteins that regulate the intracellular transport of MHC-I molecules, MHC-I-interacting proteins were isolated by affinity purification, and their identity was determined by mass spectrometry. Among the identified MHC-I-associated proteins was Tmp21, the human ortholog of yeast Emp24p, which mediates the ER-Golgi trafficking of a subset of proteins. Here, we show that Tmp21 binds to human classical and non-classical MHC-I molecules. The Tmp21-MHC-I complex lacks ${\beta}_2$-microglobulin, and the number of the complexes is increased when free MHC-I heavy chains are more abundant. Taken together, these results suggest that Tmp21 is a novel protein that preferentially binds to ${\beta}_2$-microglobulin-free MHC-I heavy chains.

• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
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• v.6 no.6
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• pp.419-425
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• 2001

A dense pellicular solid matrix has been fabricated by coating 4% agarose gel on to dense zironia-silica(ZS) spheres by watr-in-oil emulsification . The agarose evenly laminated the ZS bead to a depth of 30㎛, and the resultin gpellicular assembly was characterised by densities up to 2.39g/mL and a mean particle dimeter of 136 ㎛. In comparative fluidisation tests, the pellicular solid phase exhibited a two-fold greater flow velocity than commercial benchmark ad-sorbents necessary to achieve common values of bed expansion. Furthermore, the perlicular parti-cles were characterised by improved qualities of chromatographic behaviour, particularly with re-spect to a three-fold increase in the apparent effective diffusivity of lysozyme within a pellicular assembly modified with Cibacron Blue 3GA. The properties of rapid protein adsorption/desorp-tion were attributed to the physical design and pellicular deployment of the reactive surface in the solid phase. When combined with enhanced feedstock throughput, such practical advantages recommend the pellicular assembly as a base matrix for the selective recovery of protein products from complex, particulate feedstocks(whole fermentation broths, cell disruptates and biological extracts).

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.37 no.7
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• pp.547-553
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• 2014

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common brain malignancies and has a very poor prognosis. Recent evidence suggests that the presence of cancer stem cells (CSC) in GBM and the rare CSC subpopulation that is resistant to chemotherapy may be responsible for the treatment failure and unfavorable prognosis of GBM. A garlic-derived compound, Z-ajoene, has shown a range of biological activities, including anti-proliferative effects on several cancers. Here, we demonstrated for the first time that Z-ajoene specifically inhibits the growth of the GBM CSC population. CSC sphere-forming inhibition was achieved at a concentration that did not exhibit a cytotoxic effect in regular cell culture conditions. The specificity of this inhibitory effect on the CSC population was confirmed by detecting CSC cell surface marker CD133 expression and biochemical marker ALDH activity. In addition, stem cell-related mRNA profiling and real-time PCR revealed the differential expression of CSC-specific genes, including Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog, upon treatment with Z-ajoene. A proteomic approach, i.e., reverse-phase protein array (RPPA) and Western blot analysis, showed decreased SMAD4, p-AKT, 14.3.3 and FOXO3A expression. The protein interaction map (http://string-db.org/) of the identified molecules suggested that the AKT, ERK/p38 and $TGF{\beta}$ signaling pathways are key mediators of Z-ajoene's action, which affects the transcriptional network that includes FOXO3A. These biological and bioinformatic analyses collectively demonstrate that Z-ajoene is a potential candidate for the treatment of GBM by specifically targeting GBM CSCs. We also show how this systemic approach strengthens the identification of new therapeutic agents that target CSCs.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.549-576
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• 1995

Bacteria are one of the most important causative agents of the pulpal and periapical diseases. Streptococci are one of the most frequently isolated facultative anarerobic bacteria in the infected root canals. Bacterial cell wall components have a direct effect in the pathogenesis of the pulpal and periapical infections. Hyaluronidase produced by bacteria has been implicated in dissemination of the diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of cell wall extract of streptococci on the L929 cells using inverted microscope and the transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Hyaluronidase production of streptococcal strains were investigated to determine the correlation between the severity of cell damage and the activity of enzymes. Bacterial cell wall extracts of S. sanguis, S. mitis and S. uberis isolated from infected root canals and ATCC type strains of S. mutans (ATCC 10449) and E. faecalis (ATCC 19433) were prepared by sonication and confirmed with SDS-PAGE. Silver stain of SDS-PAGE of sonic extract was efficient at $100{\mu}g$/ml concentration of cell wall protein, while Coomasie blue stain was efficient at $100{\mu}g$/ml concentration. Inverted microscope showed that sonic extract-treated L929 cells were round and detached from the substratum while others lost their fibroblastic shapes. Transmission electron microscopic examination revealed that streptococcal extracts induced death of L929 cells. Sonic extracts of streptococci had variable effect on microstructure of L929 cells. significant chromatin condensation was observed in the nucleus of the cells. Disappearance of cell surface microvilli and nuclear fragments with dense chromatin were observed. The cell nucleus had an irregular shape and numerous large vacuoles were seen in the cytoplasm and some breaks of the cell membrane could be seen. Cell organelles were in various stages of destruction and cristae of mitochondria were disoriented or disappeared. Eighteen strains of streptococci did not produce hyaluronidase.

• BMB Reports
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.683-689
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• 2005

Antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAb) is the important serological marker of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Conventionally, the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) obtained from the plasma of HBV carriers is used as the diagnostic antigen for detection of HBsAb. This blood-origin antigen has some disadvantages involved in high cost, over-elaborate preparation, risk of infection, et al. In an attempt to explore the suitable recombinant HBsAg for the diagnostic purpose, the HBV S gene was expressed in Pichia pastoris and the product was applied for detection of HBsAb. Hepatitis B virus S gene was inserted into the yeast vector and the expressed product was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrolamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), immunoblot, electronic microscope and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The preparations of synthesized S protein were applied to detect HBsAb by sandwich ELISA. The S gene encoding the 226 amino acid of HBsAg carrying ahexa-histidine tag at C terminus was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris. The His-Tagged S protein in this strain was expressed at a level of about 14.5% of total cell protein. Immunoblot showed the recombinant HBsAg recognized by monoclonal HBsAb and there was no cross reaction between all proteins from the host and normal sera. HBsAb detection indicated that the sensitivity reached 10 mIu (micro international unit)/ml and the specificity was 100% with HBsAb standard of National Center for Clinical Laboratories. A total of 293 random sera were assayed using recombinant S protein and a commercial HBsAb ELISA kit (produced by blood-origin HBsAg), 35 HBsAb positive sera and 258 HBsAb negative sera were examined. The same results were obtained with two different reagents and there was no significant difference in the value of S/CO between the two reagents. The recombinant HBV S protein with good immunoreactivity and specificity was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris. The reagent for HBsAb detection prepared by Pichia pastoris-derived S protein showed high sensitivity and specificity for detection of HBsAb standard. And a good correlation was obtained between the reagent produced by recombinant S protein and commercial kit produced by blood-origin HBsAg in random samples.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.70-77
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• 1999

An extremely cadmium-tolerant budding yeast, Hansenula anomala B-7 underwent a morphological switch in response to either heat shock treatment or cadmium stress, respectively. It exhibited a morphological transition from a unicellular yeast form to a pseudohyphae-like coagulation when subjected to prolonged heat shock treatment. In contrast, the yeast cells showed an irregularity in surface morphology when given thermal stress for a short time. Patterns of proteins expressed in the pseudohyphae-like cells demonstrated that several proteins were overexpressed while others were underexpressed in comparison with those prepared from the cells in the yeast form. It was a striking feature, however, that nearly 40％ of the proteins extracted from the cells in the pseudohyphae form appeared to be composed of a single polypeptide. This polypeptide was apparently overexpressed during the pseudohyphae phase and its molecular weight was estimated to be 58 kDa according to SDS-PAGE analysis. However, a significant level of the protein was not observed in the cells before transition to pseudohyphae. The architecture of the cell shape was also damaged when incubated in a medium containing more than 1,000 ppm (8.9mM) of cadmium ions, although able to proliferate at a slow rate. However, the irregularity in the cell morphology exerted either by the brief heat shock treatment or by the cadmium stress with the high concentrations of the metal ions was not repaired, even though the damaged cells were allowed to grow for sufficient time in fresh, cadmium-free medium.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.3676-3680
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• 2012

An Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-based plasmid contains the EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) gene and EBV replication origin (oriP) sequence. Since EBNA1 (the only EBV-encoded protein) is combined with oriP, it is replicated simultaneously with chromosomal DNA in human, primate, and canine cells and is faithfully segregated at a stable copy number upon cell division. Consequently, it can be used to stably express gene inserts over a prolonged time in target cells. We have previously shown that the polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer can be surface-modified with L-arginine. Arginine is present at a high frequency in the transactivator of transcription (Tat) sequences of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It presents high membrane permeability and permits effective transfer of DNA inside the cells. In this study, we constructed two kinds of recombinant DNA by inserting the luciferase gene and enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP) gene as reporter genes into the pCEP4 plasmid vector. We measured dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential after preparing PAMAM-based cationic polymer/EBV-based plasmid complexes. We performed transfection of HEK 293 cell lines with the polyplexes, and monitored luciferase activity and green fluorescence protein (GFP) expression. Our results show that PAMAM-based cationic polymer/EBV plasmid complexes provide enhanced and sustained gene expression.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.56-61
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• 2009

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM. The success of titanium implants is due to osseointegration or the direct contact of the implant surface and bone without a fibrous connective tissue interface. PURPOSE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the osteoblast precursor response to titanium-10 tantalum-10 niobium(Ti-Ta-Nb) alloy and its sputtered coating. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Ti-Ta-Nb coatings were sputtered onto the Ti-Ta-Nb disks. Ti6-Al-4V alloy disks were used as controls. An osteoblast precursor cell line, were used to evaluate the cell responses to the 3 groups. Cell attachment was measured using coulter counter and the cell morphology during attachment period was observed using fluorescent microscopy. Cell culture was performed at 4, 8, 12 and 16 days. RESULTS. The sputtered Ti-Ta-Nb coatings consisted of dense nanoscale grains in the range of 30 to 100 nm with alpha-Ti crystal structure. The Ti-Ta-Nb disks and its sputtered nanoscale coatings exhibited greater hydrophilicity and rougher surfaces compared to the Ti-6Al-4V disks. The sputtered nanoscale Ti-Ta-Nb coatings exhibited significantly greater cell attachment compared to Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-Ta-Nb disks. Nanoscale Ti-Ta-Nb coatings exhibited significantly greater ALP specific activity and total protein production compared to the other 2 groups CONCLUSIONS. It was concluded that nanoscale Ti-Ta-Nb coatings enhance cell adhesion. In addition, Ti-Ta-Nb alloy and its nanoscale coatings enhanced osteoblast differentiation, but did not support osteoblast precursor proliferation compared to Ti-6Al-4V. These results indicate that the new developed Ti-Ta-Nb alloy and its nanoscale Ti-Ta-Nb coatings may be useful as an implant material.