• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Environmental Toocicology Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.13-13
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• 2003

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a ubiquitous environmental toxicant that can be exposed to humans by ingestion of contaminated food including fish and bread. MeHg has been suggested to exert its toxicity through its high reactivity to thiols, generation of arachidonic acid and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and elevation of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ levels (［$Ca^{2+}$］$_{i}$). However, the precise mechanism has not been fully defined. Here we show that phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) is a critical pathway for MeHg-induced toxicity. MeHg activated the acidic form of sphingomyelinase (A-SMase) and group IV cytosolic phospholipase $A_2$ ($cPLA_2$) downstream of PC-PLC, but these enzymes as well as protein kinase C were not linked to MeHg's toxicity. Furthermore, MeHg produced ROS, which did not cause the toxicity. However, D6O9, an inhibitor of PC-PLC, significantly reversed the toxicity in a time- and dose-dependent manner in MDCK and SH-5YSY cells. Addition of EGTA to culture media resulted in partial decrease of [$Ca^{2+}$］$_{i}$ and partially blocked cell death. In contrast, D609 completely prevented cell death with parallel decreases in diacylglycerol and ［$Ca^{2+}$］$_{i}$. Together, our findings indicated that MeHg-induced toxicity was caused by elevation of ［$Ca^{2+}$]$_{i}$ through activation of PC-PLC. The toxicity was not attributable to the signaling pathways such as $cPLA_2$, A-SMase, and PKC, or to the generation of ROS.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.75-84
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• 2023

This study aimed to observe the protective effect of momordicine I, a triterpenoid compound extracted from momordica charantia L., on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced hypertrophy in rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes and investigate its potential mechanism. Treatment with 10 μM ISO induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy as evidenced by increased cell surface area and protein content as well as pronounced upregulation of fetal genes including atrial natriuretic peptide, βmyosin heavy chain, and α-skeletal actin; however, those responses were markedly attenuated by treatment with 12.5 ㎍/ml momordicine I. Transcriptome experiment results showed that there were 381 and 447 differentially expressed genes expressed in comparisons of model/control and momordicine I intervention/model, respectively. GO enrichment analysis suggested that the anti-cardiomyocyte hypertrophic effect of momordicine I may be mainly associated with the regulation of metabolic processes. Based on our transcriptome experiment results as well as literature reports, we selected glycerophospholipid metabolizing enzymes group VI phospholipase A₂ (PLA2G6) and diacylglycerol kinase ζ (DGK-ζ) as targets to further explore the potential mechanism through which momordicine I inhibited ISO-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Our results demonstrated that momordicine I inhibited ISO-induced upregulations of mRNA levels and protein expressions of PLA2G6 and DGK-ζ. Collectively, momordicine I alleviated ISO-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, which may be related to its inhibition of the expression of glycerophospholipid metabolizing enzymes PLA2G6 and DGK-ζ

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.115-121
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• 2007

Objetives : Identification of target genes for ethanol in neurons is important for understanding its molecular and cellular mechanism of action and the neuropathological changes seen in alcoholics. The purpose of this study is to identify of altered gene expression after acute treatmet of ethanol in rat gliom cells. Methods : We used high density cDNA microarray chip to measure the expression patterns of multiple genes in cultured rat glioma cells. DNA microarrays allow for the simultaneous measurement of the expression of several hundreds of genes. Results : After comparing hybridized signals between control and ethanol treated groups, we found that treatment with ethanol increased the expression of 15 genes and decreased the expression of 12 genes. Upregulated genes included Orthodenticle(Drosophila) homolog 1, procollagen type II, adenosine A2a receptor, GATA bindning protein 2. Downregulated genes included diacylglycerol kinase beta, PRKC, Protein phosphatase 1, clathrin-associated protein 17, nucleoporin p58, proteasome. Conclusion : The gene changes noted were those related to the regulation of transcription, signal transduction, second messenger systems. modulation of ischemic brain injury, and neurodengeneration. Although some of the genes were previously known to be ethanol responsive, we have for the most part identified novel genes involved in the brain response to ethanol.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.712-719
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• 1998

Thyroid function is mainly regulated through cAMP and phophatidylinositol, and it is well known that TSH-stimulated thyroxine ($T_4$) release is inhibited by catecholamine from mouse thyroids via the ${\alpha}_1$-adrenoceptor stimulation. Previous study has established that the inhibition of $T_4$ release by ${\alpha}_1$-adrenoceptor stimulation results in activated protein kinase C (PKC). The purpose of this study was to determine if ion transport systems are involved in the inhibition of $T_4$ release elicited by ${\alpha}_1$-adrenergic agonist in mouse thyroids. TSH-, IBMX- and cAMP analogue-stimulated $T_4$ release were significantly inhibited by methoxamine, R59022 (diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor), and MDL (adenylate cyclase inhibitor). TSH-stimulated $T_4$ release could be inhibited by Bay K 8644 and cyclopiazoic acid, but not by verapamil and tetrodotoxin. The addition of nifedipine ($Ca^{2+}$ channel blocker), tetrodotoxin and lidocaine ($Na^+$ channel blockers), but not amiloride (EIPA) and ryanodine, completely blocked the inhibitory effects of methoxamine on $T_4$ release. TSH-stimulated $T_4$ release was also inhibited by benzamil ($Na^+-Ca^{2+}$ exchange inhibitor). TSH-, IBMX- and cAMP-stimulated $T_4$ release were inhibited by methoxamine or R59022, these effects were reversed by nifedipine. but not by verapamil. Furthermore, nifedipine reversed the inhibitory effects of benzamil and R59022 on TSH-stimulated $T_4$ release. These data suggest that the observed ${\alpha}_1$-adrenoceptor-mediated inhibition of $T_4$ release in mouse thyroids is the result of an increase in intracellular $Na^+$ or $Ca^{2+}$ effected via activation of fast $Na^+$ or nifedipine-sensitive $Ca^{2+}$ channels, and that $Na^+-Ca^{2+}$ exchange may play an important role in reducing thyroid hormone by increasing intracellular $Ca^{2+}$.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.29-42
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• 1998

$Mg^{2+}$ is one of the most abundant divalent cations in mammalian body(0.2~1.0mM) and the important physiological roles are : first, the cofactor of many enzyme activities, second, the regulator of glycolysis and DNA synthesis, third, the important role of bioenergetics by regulating of phosphorylation, fourth, the influence of cardiac metabolism and function. In this work we have investigated the regulation of the $Mg^{2+}$ induced by ${\alpha}_1-adrenoceptor$ stimulation in perfused guinea pig hearts and isolated myocytes. The $Mg^{2+}$ content of the perfusate or the supernatant was measured by atomic absorbance spectrophotometry. The elimination of $Mg^{2+}$ in the medium increased the force of contraction of right ventricular papillary muscles, and the left ventricular pressure. Phenylephrine also enhanced the force of contraction in the presence of $Mg^{2+}-free$ medium. ${\alpha}_1-Agonists$ such as phenylephrine and methoxamine were found to induce $Mg^{2+}$ efflux in both perfused hearts and myocytes. These effects were blocked by prazosin, an ${\alpha}_1-adrenoceptor$ antagonist. The $Mg^{2+}$ influx could also be induced by phenylephrine and R59022, a diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor. In the presence of protein kinase C(PKC) inhibitors, phenylephrine produced an increase in $Mg^{2+}$ efflux from perfused hearts. Furthermore, $Mg^{2+}$ efflux by phenylephrine was amplified by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA). This enhancement of $Mg^{2+}$ efflux by PMA was blocked by prazosin in perfused hearts. By contrast, the $Mg^{2+}$ influx could be induced by verapamil, nifedipine, ryanodine in perfused hearts, but not in myocytes. $W^7$, a $Ca^{2+}$/calmodulin antagonist, completely blocked the phenylephrine-induced $Mg^{2+}$ efflux in perfused hearts. In conclusion, $Mg^{2+}$ is responsible for the cardiac activity associated with ${\alpha}_1-adrenoceptor$ stimulation. The mobilization of $Mg^{2+}$ is decreased or increased by ${\alpha}_1-adrenoceptor$ stimulation in guinea pig hearts. These responses may be related specifically to the respective pathways of signal transduction. A decrease in $Mg^{2+}$ efflux by ${\alpha}_1-adrenoceptor$ stimulation in hearts can be through PKC dependent and intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ levels.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1994.04a
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• pp.186-186
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• 1994

Many agonists have been known to activate the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids through the bindings with corresponding receptors on the various cells. Diacylglycerol and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate(IP3) generated by the action of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) are well known second messengers for the activation of protein kinase C and the mobilization of Ca2+ in many cells. Three types of PI-PLC isozyme (${\alpha}$,${\gamma}$, and $\delta$) and several subtrpes for each type have been identified from mammalian sources by purification of enzymes and cloning of their cDNAs. Each type PI-PLC isozyme is coupled to different receptors and mediators, for example, ${\beta}$-types are coupled to the seven-transmembrane-receptors via Gq family of G-proteins and ${\beta}$-types directly to the receptor tyrosine kinases. Specific modulators for the signaling pathway through each type of PI-PLC should be very useful as potential potential candidates for lend substances in developing novel drugs. To establish the sensitive and convenient screening systems for searching modulators on PI-PLC mediated signaling, two kinds of approaches have been tried. (1) Establishment of in vitro assay condition for each type of PI-PLC isozyme: Overexpression by using vaccinia virus and purification of each isozyme was carried out for the preparation of large amounts of enaymes. Optimum and sensitive assay condition for the measurements of PI-ELC activities were established. (2) Development of the cell lines in which each type of PI-PLC is permanently overexpressed: A fibroblast cell line (3T3${\gamma}$1-7) in which PI-PLC-${\gamma}$1 was overexpressed by using pZip-neo expression vector was developed and used for the measurement of PDGF-induced IP3 formation. The responses for IP3 formed in 3T3${\gamma}$1-7 cells by the treatment of PDGF is 8 times more sensitive than those in control cells. 3T3${\gamma}$l-7 cell is useful for the screening of the inhibitors on the PDGF-induced cellular responses from large number of samples in a small volume(50 ${\mu}$l) and short time(5-15 min). Using these systems, we screened hundreds of herb-extracts for the inhibition of PDGF-induced IP3 formation and selected several extracts that showed the inhibition as the candidates for isolation and characterization of active substances. The determination of the acting point of selected extracts or fractions in the PDGF signaling pathway has been analyzing.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.347-355
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• 1999

Background: Phospholipase C(PLC) plays a central role in cellular signal transduction and is important in cellular growth, differentiation and transformation. There are currently ten known mammalian isozymes of PLC reported to this date. Hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate($PIP_2$) by PLC produces two important second messengers, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate($IP_3$) and diacylglycerol. PLC-${\gamma}1$, previously, was known to be activated mainly through growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase. Other mechanisms of activating PLC-yl have been reported such as activation through tau protein in the presence of arachidonic acid in bovine brain and activation by $IP_3$, phosphatidic acid, etc. Very recently, another PLC-${\gamma}1$ activator protein such as tau has been found in bovine lung tissue, which now is considered to be AHNAK protein. But there has been no report concerning AHNAK and its associated disease to this date. In this study, we examined the expression of the PLC-${\gamma}1$ activator, AHNAK, in lung cancer specimens and their paired normal. Methods: From surgically resected human lung cancer tissues taken from twenty-eight patients and their paired normal counterparts, we evaluated expression level of AHNAK protein using immunoblot analysis of total tissue extract Immunohistochemical stain was performed with primary antibody against AHNAK protein. Results: Twenty-two among twenty-eight lung cancer tissues showed overexpression of AHNAK protein (eight of fourteen squamous cell lung cancers, all of fourteen adenocarcinomas). The resulting bands were multiple ranging from 70 to 200 kDa in molecular weight and each band was indistinct and formed a smear, reflecting mobility shift mainly due to proteolysis during extraction process. On immunohistochemistry, lung cancer tissues showed a very heavy, dense staining with anti-AHNAK protein antibody as compared to the surrounding normal lung tissue, coresponding well with the results of the western blot Conclusion: The overexpression of PLC-${\gamma}1$ activator protein, AHNAK in lung cancer may provide evidence that the AHNAK protein and PLC-${\gamma}1$ act in concerted manner in carcinogenesis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.310-322
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• 2000

Background : Phospholipase C(PLC) plays an important role in cellular signal transduction and is thought to be critical in cellular growth, differentiation and transformation of certain malignancies. Two second messengers produced from the enzymatic action of PLC are diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate (IP3). These two second messengers are important in down stream signal activation of protein kinase C and intracellular calcium elevation. In addition, functional domains of the PLC isozymes, such as Src homology 2 (SH2) domain, Src homology 3 (SH3) domain, and pleckstrin homology (PH) domain play crucial roles in protein translocation, lipid membrane modificailon and intracellular memrane trafficking which occur during various mitogenic processes. We have previously reported the presence of PLC-${\gamma}1$, ${\gamma}2$, ${\beta}1$, ${\beta}3$, and ${\delta}1$ isozymes in normal human lung tissue and tyrosine-kinase-independent activation of phospholipase C-${\gamma}$ isozymes by tau protein and AHNAK. We had also found that the expression of AHNAK protein was markedly increased in various mstologic types of lung can∞r tissues as compared to the normallungs. However, the report concerning expression of various PLC isozymes in lung canærs and other lung diseases is lacking. Therefore, in this study we examined the expression of PLC isozymes in the paired surgical specimens taken from lung cancer patients. Methods : Surgically resected lung cancer tissue samples taken from thirty seven patients and their paired normal control lungs from the same patients, The expression of various PLC isozymes were studied. Western blot analysis of the tissue extracts for the PLC isozymes and immunohistochemistry was performed on typical samples for localization of the isozyme. Results : In 16 of 18 squamous cell carcinomas, the expression of PLC-${\gamma}1$ was increased. PLC-${\gamma}1$ was also found to be increased in all of 15 adenocarcinoma patients. In most of the non-small cell lung cancer tissues we had examined, expression of PLC-${\delta}1$ was decreased. However, the expression of PLC-${\delta}1$ was markedly increased in 3 adenocarcinomas and 3 squamous carcinomas. Although the numbers were small, in all 4 cases of small cell lung cancer tissues, the expression of PLC-${\delta}1$ was nearly absent. Conclusion : We found increased expression of PLC-${\gamma}1$ isozyme in lung cancer tissues. Results of this study, taken together with our earlier findings of AHNAK protein-a putative PLD-${\gamma}$, activator-over-expression, and the changes observed in PLC-${\delta}1$ in primary human lung cancers may provide a possible insight into the derranged calcium-inositol signaling pathways leading to the lung malignancies.