• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.301-312
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• 2015

Metastasis is one of hallmarks of cancer and a major cause of cancer death. Combatting metastasis is highly challenging. To overcome these difficulties, researchers have focused on physical properties of metastatic cancer cells. Metastatic cancer cells from patients are softer than benign cancer or normal cells. Changes of viscoelasticity of cancer cells are related to the keratin network. Unexpectedly, keratin network is dynamic and regulation of keratin network is important to the metastasis of cancer. Keratin is composed of heteropolymer of type I and II. Keratin connects from the plasma membrane to nucleus. Several proteins including kinases, and protein phosphatases bind to keratin intermediate filaments. Several endogenous compounds or toxic compounds induce phosphorylation and reorganization of keratin network in cancer cells, leading to increased migration. Continuous phosphorylation of keratin results in loss of keratin, which is one of the features of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Therefore, several proteins involved in phosphorylation and reorganization of keratin also have a role in EMT. It is likely that compounds controlling phosphorylation and reorganization of keratin are potential candidates for combating EMT and metastasis.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.369-377
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• 2023

Background: In this study, we investigated the potential use of keratin for oral tissue regeneration. Keratin is well-known for its effectiveness in skin regeneration by promoting keratinization and enhancing the elasticity and activity of fibroblasts. Because of its structural stability, high storability, biocompatibility, and safety in humans, existing research has predominantly focused on its role in skin wound healing. Herein, we propose using keratin proteins as biocompatible materials for dental applications. Methods: To assess the suitability of alpha-keratin protein as a substrate for cell culture, keratin was extracted from human hair via PEGylation. Viabilities of primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and human oral keratinocytes (HOKs) were assessed. Fluorescence immunostaining and migration assays were conducted using a fluorescence microscope and confocal laser scanning microscope. Wound healing and migration assays were performed using automated software to analyze the experimental readout and gap closure rate. Results: We confirmed the extraction of alpha-keratin and formation of the PEG-g-keratin complex. Treatment of HGFs with keratin protein at a concentration of 5 mg/ml promoted proliferation and maintained cell viability in the test group compared to the control group. HOKs treated with 5 mg/ml keratin exhibited a slight decrease in cell proliferation and activity after 48 hours compared to the untreated group, followed by an increase after 72 hours. Wound healing and migration assays revealed rapid closure of the area covered by HOKs over time following keratin treatment. Additionally, HOKs exhibited changes in cell morphology and increased the expression of the mesenchymal marker vimentin. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated the potential of hair keratin for soft tissue regeneration, with potential future applications in clinical settings for wound healing.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.1055-1059
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• 2003

Keratins, the constituents of epithelial intermediate filaments, are precisely regulated in a tissue and development specific manner. There are two types of keratin in bovine. The type I is acidic keratin and the type II is neutral/basic keratin. 1.5 kb of 5' flanking sequence of Korean cattle Keratin IV gene, type II keratin (59 kDa), was cloned and sequenced. A symmetrical motif AApuCCAAA are located in a defined region upstream of the TATA box. Proximal SP1, AP1, E-box and CACC elements as the major determinants of transcription are identified. When it was compared to the bovine sequence from -600 bp to ATG upstream, the homology was 97% in nucleotide sequence. Several A and T sequences, located in the promoter region, are deleted in the Korean cattle. An expression vector consisted of Korean cattle Keratin IV gene promoter/SV40 large T antigen was transfected to HaCaT cell (Epithelial keratinocyte). The transformed HaCaT cells showed active proliferation when treated with PDGF (Platelet-derived growth factor) in 0.3% soft agar compared to control cells. These results indicate that Korean cattle Keratin IVgene promoter can be used as a promoter for transfection into epithelial cell.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2010.05a
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• pp.3-3
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• 2010

소나무에서 추출해낸 천연유기유황(Natural Sulfur)의 의학적 가치는 1972년 Jacob 박사와 Herschler 박사가 오래곤 과학대학에서 천연식이유황(Natural Sulfur/MSM)을 가지고 표피조직에 미치는 영향을 구명하면서 keratin 단백질에 대한 연구가 활성화 되기 시작하였다. 세포내 골격물질은 크게 형태와 조성에 따라서 actin microfilament, microtubule, 그리고 intermediate filament(IF)로 구분된다. keratin의 특성은 keratin intermediate family중에서 K17 IF가 새로운 기능을 나타내는데 피부세포의 성장에 핵심적인 조절 역할을 한다는 사실이 밝혀 지면서 Dr. Pierre A. Coulombe(The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine)연구실은 브로컬리와 같은 십자화과 식물 등에 과량 존재하는 항산화 및 항암물질인 sulforaphane이 K17의 발현을 특이적으로 증가시킨다는 것을 알아내어 피부박리와 같은 피부손상을 기능적으로 복구시킬수 있음을 확인하였다. 현재는 수포성 표피박리증 환자군의 많은 부분을 차지하는 K14 돌연변이와 동일한 유전적 변형을 일으킨 생쥐모델을 이용한 약물 효과 검증과 전 임상단계의 인체실험을 함께 진행중에 있다. Mark E. Van Dyke 박사(Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine Medical Center)는 인간의 머리털에서 유래된 keratin으로 외상에 의한 신경 절단이나 압좌(압박손상)는 현재 다른 부위의 신경을 잘라 이식하거나 절단된 신경 양끝을 인공도관(conduit)으로 연결해 신경재생을 유도하는 미세수술을 시행하게 되는데, 신경재생을 유도하는 도관에 keratin을 주입하면 신경이식과 맞먹는 신경재생 성공률을 기대할 수 있다고 하였다. 앞으로는 동물성 keratin뿐만 아니라 식물성 keratin도 함께 연구할 필요가 있다. 동물성 keratin의 농업적 이용은 가금류 깃털의 keratin을 축출하여 친환경 육묘용 용기를 만드는데 있다. 이 용기는 자연조건에서 생분해될 수 있는 특성을 갖고 있다.

• Macromolecular Research
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• v.17 no.11
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• pp.850-855
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• 2009

Keratin is an important protein used in wound healing and tissue recovery. In this study, keratin was modified chemically with iodoacetic acid (IAA) to enhance its solubility in organic solvent. Poly(hydroxybutylate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and modified keratin were dissolved in hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) and electrospun to produce nanofibrous mats. The resulting mats were surface-characterized by ATR-FTIR, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). The pure m-keratin mat was cross-linked with glutaraldehyde vapor to make it insoluble in water. The biodegradation test in vitro showed that the mats could be biodegraded by PHB depolymerase and trypsin aqueous solution. The results of the cell adhesion experiment showed that the NIH 3T3 cells adhered more to the PHBV/m-keratin nanofibrous mats than the PHBV film. The BrdU assay showed that the keratin and PHBV/m-keratin nanofibrous mats could accelerate the proliferation of fibroblast cells compared to the PHBV nanofibrous mats.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.385-392
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• 2022

In this study, keratin peptides were produced through high-temperature anaerobic fermentation of keratin, a protein contained in deer antler, with Fervidobacterium islandicum AW-1, and factors related to human hair, confirming the possibility of keratin peptides as cosmetic ingredients. As a result of the cytotoxicity and proliferation of deer antler fermented keratin peptide according to the concentration in the dermal papilla cell line, cytotoxicity was not observed and the cell proliferation effect was shown. For human dermal papilla cells, statistically significant increasing in growth factors according to the deer antler fermented keratin peptide was determined possiblity of effects on hair growth. Cosmetic products containing deer antler fermented keratin peptides were manufactured and skin safety and anti hair loss efficacy clinical tests were conducted. As a result, after 12 weeks of use, the total number of hairs statistically significant increased compared to before using the product and the difference in total number of hairs compared to the control group was found. In conclusion, we suggest that the possibility of fermented deer antler keratin peptide as a cosmeceutical ingredient as well as a health functional food material was confirmed.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.403-408
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• 2008

Keratin is the major structural fibrous protein providing outer covering such as wool, hair, and nail. Keratin is useful as natural protein. We developed the keratin loaded poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) scaffolds (keratin/PLGA) for the possibility of the application of the tissue engineering using bone marrow mesenchymal (BMSCs). Keratin/PLGA (contents 0%, 10%, 20% and 50% of PLGA weight) scaffolds were prepared by solvent casting/salt leaching method. We characterized porosity, wettability, and water uptake ability, DSC of keratin/PLGA scaffold. We seeded BMSCs isolated from the femurs of rat into the inner core of the hybrid scaffold. Celluar viability were assayed by 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. We confirmed that keratin/PLGA scaffold is hydrophilic by wettability, and water uptake ability measurement results. In MTT assay results, cell viability in scaffolds impregnated 10 and 20 wt% of keratin were higher than other scaffolds. In conclusion, we suggest that keratin/PLGA scaffold may be useful to tissue engineering using BMSCs.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2016.02a
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• pp.373-373
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• 2016

파푸아뉴기니 열대 우림에 서식하는 극락조의 가슴깃은 독특한 나노 구조를 가지고 있다. 이 독특한 구조에 의해 구조색이 발현된다. 또한 이 구조색은 입사하는 빛의 각도에 따라 색이 변화 하며 아름다운 색을 낸다. 극락조의 가슴깃의 구조는 keratin과 melanin으로 구성 되어 있는데 keratin과 melanin이 한 층씩 교대로 위치하여 multi layer 구조를 가진다. 가슴깃의 단면의 형태는 부메랑 모양의 구조로 되어 있는데 물질은 주로 keratin 으로 이루어져 있고 keratin 내부에 melanin rodlet이 층층이 박혀서 multi layer를 형성한다. 부메랑 모양의 단면에서 keratin 피질의 각도는 약 $30^{\circ}$ 정도로 이루어져 있고 내부의 melanin 기둥이 이루는 층은 약 $11.3^{\circ}$ 정도로 이루어져 있다. 본 연구에서는 극락조 가슴깃의 구조를 도식화 하여 입사하는 빛의 각도에 따라 나타나는 구조색을 FDTD simulation을 통해 계산하였고 실제 구조에 의해 측정된 reflectance spectra와 비교하여 특성이 유사하게 나타남을 확인 하였다. 실제 극락조 가슴깃의 반사 특성은 부메랑 모양 구조의 가운데 부분에서는 파장이 610 nm 정도인 주황빛이 주로 반사가 되고, 부메랑 모양 구조의 양옆 부분에서는 파장이 420 nm 정도인 파란빛이 주로 반사되어 나타난다. 그리고 각도에 따른 구조색의 변화는 보통의 multi layer의 특징과 다르게 나타난다. 입사하는 빛의 각도가 커질수록 reflectance peak가 나타나는 파장이 점점 짧아지는 특징은 일반적인 multi layer와 일치하지만 일반적인 multi layer가 입사 각도가 커질수록 reflectance가 커지는데 반해 극락조 가슴깃의 반사특성은 입사 각도가 커질수록 reflectance는 오히려 작아진다. 우리가 도식화한 구조를 FDTD simulation한 결과는 이러한 특징이 실제 구조의 측정 결과와 일치하게 잘 나타났다. 또한 keratin과 melanin층의 각도 및 두께변화에 따른 reflectance를 FDTD simulation을 통해 계산 해보았고 구조변화에 따른 특징들을 확인해 보았다.

• Textile Coloration and Finishing
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.64-70
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• 1996

Wool yarns were treated in dimethylformamide solutions containing various concntrations of three dibasic acid anhydrides: succinic, itaconic, and phthalic arthydrides in various conditions. The structurl aspects of these dibasic acid anhydries are different: succinic, itaconic, and phthalic acid arthydrides have saturated aliphatic ethylene, unsaturated aliphatic vinyl and aromatic phenyl one groups, respectively. The properties of acylated wool keratin are as follows: Decreasing amino group and increasing carboxyl group by acylation lowered the hydrophilic property, and then moisture regain, and decreased acid dye uptake and enhanced cationic dye uptake of wool keratin. In the case of phthalic acid anhydries, in spite of lowest acyl content, the minimum of moisture regain was resulted from the bulk benzen ring, occuping much more voids on wool keratin molecules than other reagents. Acid solubility was increased by the decrease of amino group and hydrogen bonding by acylation. Alkali solubility was also increased formation of new amide group on the side chain of keratin, which can be degraded easily by alkali. In the case of phthalic acid anhydride, the relative high solubility was resulted from the much higher molecular weight of dissolved fractions. The surface of wool keratin was not damaged by treatment with any acylating agent.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.314-322
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• 2018

Bacillus subtilis 8 is highly efficient at degrading feather keratin. We observed integrated feather degradation over the course of 48 h in basic culture medium while studying the entire process with scanning electron microscopy. Large amounts of ammonia, sulfite, and $\text\tiny{L}$-cysteic acid were detected in the fermented liquid. In addition, four enzymes (gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, peptidase T, serine protease, and cystathionine gamma-synthase) were identified that play an important role in this degradation pathway, all of which were verified with molecular cloning and prokaryotic expression. To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first to demonstrate that cystathionine gamma-synthase secreted by B. subtilis 8 is involved in the decomposition of feather keratin. This study provides new data characterizing the molecular mechanism of feather degradation by bacteria, as well as potential guidance for future industrial utilization of waste keratin.