• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2015.08a
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• pp.75-75
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• 2015

Strong interactions between electromagnetic radiation and electrons at metallic interfaces or in metallic nanostructures lead to resonant oscillations called surface plasmon resonance with fascinating properties: light confinement in subwavelength dimensions and enhancement of optical near fields, just to name a few [1,2]. By utilizing the properties enabled by geometry dependent localization of surface plasmons, metal photonics or plasmonics offers a promise of enabling novel photonic components and systems for integrated photonics or sensing applications [3-5]. The versatility of the nanoplasmonic platform is described in this talk on three folds: our findings on an enhanced ultracompact photodetector based on nanoridge plasmonics for photonic integrated circuit applications [3], a colorimetric sensing of miRNA based on a nanoplasmonic core-satellite assembly for label-free and on-chip sensing applications [4], and a controlled fabrication of plasmonic nanostructures on a flexible substrate based on a transfer printing process for ultra-sensitive and noise free flexible bio-sensing applications [5]. For integrated photonics, nanoplasmonics offers interesting opportunities providing the material and dimensional compatibility with ultra-small silicon electronics and the integrative functionality using hybrid photonic and electronic nanostructures. For sensing applications, remarkable changes in scattering colors stemming from a plasmonic coupling effect of gold nanoplasmonic particles have been utilized to demonstrate a detection of microRNAs at the femtomolar level with selectivity. As top-down or bottom-up fabrication of such nanoscale structures is limited to more conventional substrates, we have approached the controlled fabrication of highly ordered nanostructures using a transfer printing of pre-functionalized nanodisks on flexible substrates for more enabling applications of nanoplasmonics.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7551-7554
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• 2013

Tumor-associated microRNAs have been detected in serum or plasma, but whether plasma microRNA-21 (miR-21) could be a potential circulating biomarker for gastric cancer (GC) prognosis in Chinese is still uncertain. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was employed in this study to compare the relative expression of miR-21 between pre-operative and post-operative paired plasmas from 42 patients with primary GCs. The results showed that the expression levels of miR-21 in the post-operative plasmas were significantly reduced by an average of 18.2 times in all patients when compared to the pre-operative plasmas, and by 22.1 times in the subgroup of patients without family history, while only 1.76 times in the subgroup of patients with a family history. With respect of clinicopathological characteristics, the plasma miR-21 expression was highly associated with differentiation degree and lymph node metastasis rate. The results suggested plasma miR-21 could be a novel potential biomarker for GC prognosis and evaluation of surgery outcomes, especially in patients without a family history.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.414-422
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• 2019

There is accumulating evidence that microRNAs are emerging as pivotal regulators in the development and progression of neuropathic pain. MicroRNA-15a/16 (miR-15a/16) have been reported to play an important role in various diseases and inflammation response processes. However, whether miR-15a/16 participates in the regulation of neuroinflammation and neuropathic pain development remains unknown. In this study, we established a mouse model of neuropathic pain by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerves. Our results showed that both miR-15a and miR-16 expression was significantly upregulated in the spinal cord of CCI rats. Downregulation of the expression of miR-15a and miR-16 by intrathecal injection of a specific inhibitor significantly attenuated the mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia of CCI rats. Furthermore, inhibition of miR-15a and miR-16 downregulated the expression of interleukin-$1{\beta}$ and tumor-necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ in the spinal cord of CCI rats. Bioinformatic analysis predicted that G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2), an important regulator in neuropathic pain and inflammation, was a potential target gene of miR-15a and miR-16. Inhibition of miR-15a and miR-16 markedly increased the expression of GRK2 while downregulating the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and $NF-{\kappa}B$ in CCI rats. Notably, the silencing of GRK2 significantly reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-15a/16 inhibition in neuropathic pain. In conclusion, our results suggest that inhibition of miR-15a/16 expression alleviates neuropathic pain development by targeting GRK2. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular pathogenesis of neuropathic pain and suggest potential therapeutic targets for preventing neuropathic pain development.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.10
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• pp.1488-1498
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• 2023

Objective: α_S1-Casein is more closely associated with milk allergic reaction than other milk protein components. microRNA (miRNA) is a class of small non-coding RNAs that modulate multiple biological progresses by the target gene. However, the post-transcriptional regulation of α_S1-casein expression by miRNA in ruminants remains unclear. This study aims to explore the regulatory roles of miR-380-3p on α_S1-casein synthesis in goat mammary epithelial cells (GMEC). Methods: α_S1-Casein gene and miR-380-3p expression was measured in dairy goat mammary gland by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). miR-380-3p overexpression and knockdown were performed by miR-380-3p mimic or inhibitor in GMEC. The effect of miR-380-3p on α_S1-casein synthesis was detected by qRT-PCR, western blot, luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays in GMEC. Results: Compared with middle-lactation period, α_S1-casein gene expression is increased, while miR-380-3p expression is decreased during peak-lactation of dairy goats. miR-380-3p reduces α_S1-casein abundance by targeting the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) of α_S1-casein mRNA in GMEC. miR-380-3p enhances β-casein expression and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5a (STAT5a) activity. Moreover, miR-380-3p promotes β-casein abundance through target gene α_S1-casein, and activates β-casein transcription by enhancing the binding of STAT5 to β-casein gene promoter region. Conclusion: miR-380-3p decreases α_S1-casein expression and increases β-casein expression by targeting α_S1-casein in GMEC, which supplies a novel strategy for reducing milk allergic potential and building up milk quality in ruminants.

• BMB Reports
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• v.51 no.9
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• pp.444-449
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• 2018

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the most common hematological malignancies all around the world. MicroRNAs have been determined to contribute various cancers initiation and progression, including AML. Although microRNA-204 (miR-204) exerts anti-tumor effects in several kinds of cancers, its function in AML remains unknown. In the present study, we assessed miR-204 expression in AML blood samples and cell lines. We also investigated the effects of miR-204 on cellular function of AML cells and the underlying mechanisms of the action of miR-204. Our results showed that miR-204 expression was significantly downregulated in AML tissues and cell lines. In addition, overexpression of miR-204 induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in AML cells, including AML5, HL-60, Kasumi-1 and U937 cells. Cell cycle analysis further confirmed an augmentation in theapoptotic subG1 population by miR-204 overexpression. Mechanistically, baculoviral inhibition of apoptosis protein repeat containing 6 (BIRC6) was identified as a direct target of miR-204. Enforcing miR-204 expression increased the luciferase activity and expression of BIRC6, as well as p53 and Bax expression. Moreover, restoration of BIRC6 reversed the pro-apoptotic effects of miR-204 overexpression in AML cells. Taken together, this study demonstrates that miR-204 causes AML cell apoptosis by targeting BIRC6, suggesting miR-204 may play an anti-carcinogenic role in AML and function as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for the treatment of this disease.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.735-742
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• 2013

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) that bind to complementary nucleic acid sequences with extraordinarily high affinity and sequence specificity can be used as antisense oligonucleotides against microRNAs, namely antagomir PNAs. However, methods for efficient cellular delivery must be developed for effective use of PNAs as therapeutic agents. Here, we demonstrate that antagomir PNAs can be delivered to hepatic cells by complementary DNA oligonucleotide and cationic liposomes containing galactosylated ceramide and a novel cationic lipid, DMKE (O,O'-dimyristyl-N-lysyl glutamate), through glycoprotein-mediated endocytosis. An antagomir PNA was designed to target miR-122, which is required for translation of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome in hepatocytes, and was hybridized to a DNA oligonucleotide for complexation with cationic liposome. The PNA-DNA hybrid molecules were efficiently internalized into hepatic cells by complexing with the galactosylated cationic liposome in vitro. Galactosylation of liposome significantly enhanced both lipoplex cell binding and PNA delivery to the hepatic cells. After 4-h incubation with galactosylated lipoplexes, PNAs were efficiently delivered into hepatic cells and HCV genome translation was suppressed more than 70% through sequestration of miR-122 in cytoplasm. PNAs were readily released from the PNA-DNA hybrid in the low pH environment of the endosome. The present study indicates that transfection of PNA-DNA hybrid molecules using galactosylated cationic liposomes can be used as an efficient non-viral carrier for antagomir PNAs targeted to hepatocytes.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.3503-3507
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• 2013

Background: Although the majority of investigations concerned with TP53 and its protein have focused on coding regions, recently a set of studies highlighted significant roles of regulatory elements located in p53 mRNA, especially 5'UTR. The wrap53${\alpha}$ transcript is one of those that acts as a natural antisense agent, forming RNA-RNA hybrids with p53 mRNA and protecting it from degradation. Materials and Methods: In this study, we focused on the mutation status of exon $1{\alpha}$ of the WRAP53 gene (according to exon 1 of p53) in 160 breast tumor tissue samples and conducted a bioinformatics search for probable miRNA binding site in the p53/wrap53 overlapping region. Mutations were detected, using single stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and sequencing. We applied the miRBase database for prediction of miRNAs which target overlapping region of p53/wrap53 transcripts. Results: Our results showed all samples to have wild type alleles in exon 1 of TP53 gene. We could detect a novel and unreported intronic mutation (IVS1+56, G>C) outside overlapping regions of p53/wrap53 genes in breast cancer tissues and also predict the presence of a binding site for miR-4732-5p in the 5'UTR of Wrap53 mRNA. Conclusions: From our findings we propose designing further studies focused on overexpression of miRNA-4732-5p and introducing different mutations in the overlapping region of wrap53 and p53 genes in order to study their effects on p53 and its ${\Delta}N$ isoform (${\Delta}$40p53) expression. The results may provide new pieces in the p53 targeting puzzle for cancer therapy.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.119-126
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• 2020

Purpose:Weight gain after kidney transplantation is a critical factor that can lead to poor outcomes with cardiovascular complications. Many studies have been conducted to identify predictive markers of future weight changes at the time of transplant. Recently, circulating exosomes and its contents including miRNAs and proteins have attracted attention as potential biomarkers. In this pilot study, we investigated exosomal proteins and weight change after kidney transplant. Methods: Recipients (n = 10) were classified into two groups; weight gainers (n = 5, 9.7 ± 4.4kg) and weight losers (n = 5, -6.4 ± 1.8kg) based on their weight changes at 12-months posttransplant. Based on the exosomal protein profiles obtained by the LC-MS/MS, differentially expressed proteins were identified between the groups. Results: Concentration and the mean size of exosomes significantly increased at 12-months compared to the baseline (p= .009) in the total group. Eleven exosomal proteins were found at the baseline as differentially expressed between the two groups. In the weight gain group, complement proteins including HV169, C3, C4B, and C4A, were significantly upregulated. Conclusion: Our pilot study suggests that exosomal complementary proteins are associated with weight gain after kidney transplantation. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of these exosomal proteins in the underlying mechanisms of weight changes in kidney transplant recipients.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.125-130
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• 2006

An isolate of Peanut stunt virus (PSV) isolated from black locust tree (Robinia pseudo-acacia L.) showing severe mosaic and malformation symptoms, was designated as PSV-Rp. PSV-Rp was characterized by the tests of host range, physical properties, RNA and coat protein composition and RT-PCR analysis. Nucleotide sequences of the cucumoviruses CP genes were also used for identification and differentiation of PSV-Rp. Six plant species were used in the host range test of PSV-Rp. PSV-Rp could be differentiated from each Cucumovirus strain used as a control by symptoms of the plants. The physical properties of PSV-Rp virus were TIP $65^{\circ}C$, DEP $10^{-3}$, and LIP $2{\sim}3$ days. In dsRNA analysis, PSV-Rp consisted of four dsRNAs, but satellite RNA was not detected. Analysis of the coat proteins by SDS-PAGE showed one major protein band of about 31 kDa. RT-PCR using a part of Cucumovirus RNA3 specific primer amplified ${\sim}950bp$ DNA fragments from the crude sap of virus-infected black locust leaves. RFLP analysis of the RT-PCR product could differential PSV-RP from CMV The nucleotide sequence identity between the PSV-Rp CP and the TAV-P CP genes and the PS-V-RP CP and CMV-Y CP genes were 61.6% and 40.5%, respectively. On the other hand, the nucleotide sequence identity of the PSV-Rp CP gene was $70.9%{\sim}73.4%$ in comparison with those of PSV subgroup I (PSV-ER and PSV-J) and 67.3% with that of PSV subgroup II(PSV-W). Especially, the nucleotide sequence identity of PSV-Rp CP gene and that of PSV-Mi that was proposed recently as the type member of a novel PSV subgroup III was 92.4%.

• The Journal of Korean Society of Virology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.101-112
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• 2000

Rotaviruses are the most common cause of severe vomiting and diarrhea in children worldwide and classified as a genus in the family Reoviridae. Rotavirus has eleven segmented dsRNAs and the virion consists of three shells. Outer capsid VP7 and VP4 induce neutralizing antibodies and are classified into G types (glycoprotein VP7) and P types (protease-sensitive VP4). Characterization of VP7 gene of Korean isolates of human rotavirus was performed using multiplex PCR and nucleotide sequence analysis. After RT-PCR amplification of full length (1,062 bp) of VP7 genes, the amplified PCR products were G typed by multiplex PCR and the nucleotide sequences were compared with those of reference rotavirus from GenBank. The G type analysis revealed that 25% (2/8) belong to G1, whereas 37.5% (3/8) benong to G2 and G4, respectively. The Korean isolates within the same serotypes showed high homology of nucleotide sequences and could be discriminated from foreign isolates exception with two strains (CAU009 and CAU022). But Korean isolates CAU009 and CAU022 were close related into japanease isolates 417 (99.2%) and indian isolates (97.6%) than Korean isolatese. Our results showed that these two strains were supposed to be originated from abroad. As a results, The G typing and nucleotide sequence analysis of VP7 gene of rotavirus isolated from infants in Korea could be used for identification, serotying and determination of novel or unusual strains of rotaviruses.