• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.243-252
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• 2020

Using Fervidobacterium islandicum AW-1, polar low molecular weight keratin peptides were produced and confirmed through factors related to the skin elasticity. As a result of confirming the cytotoxicity and collagen synthesis ability according to the concentration of the polar low molecular weight keratin peptide in human fibroblasts, it was confirmed that the cytotoxicity did not appear and the collagen synthesis in human fibroblasts was increased. A mask pack containing a polar low-molecular weight keratin peptide was used, and a test product was used for 4 weeks in 22 healthy women subjects. As a result, it showed statistically significant effects on skin elasticity, skin torsion elasticity, skin color and moisture improvement. Through this test, it was confirmed that the polar low-molecular keratin peptide can be used as a cosmetic ingredient that helps improve skin elasticity.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 2009

The mammalian immune system comprises a complex array of cells and molecules that interact to provide protection from pathogenic microorganisms. The beneficial role played by lactic acid bacteria and milk-derived peptides in humans, including their effect on the immune system, has been extensively reported. Lactic acid bacteria and milk-derived peptides, which are present in dairy products, are frequently used as nutraceuticals to improve some biological functions in the host. Activation of the systemic and secretory immune response by lactic acid bacteria and milk-derived peptides requires many complex interactions among the various constituents of the intestinal ecosystem. Thus, the aim of this review was to examine in detail the immunological potential of lactic acid bacteria and milk-derived peptides.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.288-298
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• 2023

Host defense peptides are expressed in various immune cells, including phagocytic cells and epithelial cells. These peptides selectively alter innate immune pathways in response to infections by pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and modify the subsequent adaptive immune environment. Consequently, they play a wide range of roles in both innate and adaptive immune responses. These peptides are of increasing importance due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and their functions as mediators linking innate and adaptive immune responses. This review focuses on the pleiotropic biological functions and related mechanisms of action of human host defense peptides and discusses their potential clinical applications.

• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.154-159
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• 2006

Interleukin-18 (IL-18), otherwise known as interferon-gamma-inducing factor (IGIF), is one of several well characterized and important cytokines that contribute to host defenses. The complementary DNA (cDNA) of mature human interleukin-18 gene (hIL-18) was fused with the signal peptide of the rice amylase 1A gene (Ramy1A) and introduced into the plant expression vector under the control of a duplicated CaMV 35S promoter. The recombinant plasmid was transformed into tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv Havana) using the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method. The integration of the hlL-18 gene into the genome of transgenic tobacco plants was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and its expression was observed in the suspension cells that were derived from the transgenic plant callus by using Northern blot analysis. The hlL-18 protein was detected in the extracts of the transgenic callus and in the medium of the transgenic tobacco suspension culture by using immunoblot analysis. Based upon enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) results, the expression level of the hlL-18 protein approximated $166{\mu}g/L$ in the suspension culture medium. Bioassay results from the induction of $interferon-{\gamma}$ from a KG-1 cell line indicated that the hlL-18 secreted into the suspension culture medium was bioactive.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.10.1-10.14
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• 2019

Fish skin waste accounts for part of the solid waste generated from seafood processing. Utilization of fish skin by bioconversion into high-grade products would potentially reduce pollution and economic cost associated with treating fish processing waste. Fish skin is an abundant supply of gelatin and collagen which can be hydrolyzed to produce bioactive peptides of 2-20 amino acid sequences. Bioactivity of peptides purified from fish skin includes a range of activities such as antihypertensive, anti-oxidative, antimicrobial, neuroprotection, antihyperglycemic, and anti-aging. Fish skin acts as a physical barrier and chemical barrier through antimicrobial peptide innate immune action and other functional peptides. Small peptides have been demonstrated to possess biological activities which are based on their amino acid composition and sequence. Fish skin-derived peptides contain a high content of hydrophobic amino acids which contribute to the antioxidant and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity. The peptide-specific composition and sequence discussed in this review can be potentially utilized in the development of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.19 no.8
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• pp.792-802
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• 2009

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered to be a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics for future generations. We identified four novel hexapeptides with antimicrobial activity: KCM11 (TWWRWW-$NH_2$), KCM12 (KWRWlW-$NH_2$), KCM21 (KWWWRW-$NH_2$), and KRS22 (WRWFIH-$NH_2$), through positional scanning of a synthetic peptide combinatorial library (PS-SCL). The ability of these peptides to inhibit the growth of a variety of bacteria and unicellular fungi was evaluated. KCM11 and KRS22 preferentially inhibited the normal growth of fungal strains, whereas KCM12 and KCM21 were more active against bacterial strains. Bactericidal activity was addressed in a clear zone assay against phytopathogenic bacteria, including Pectobacterium spp., Xanthomonas spp., Pseudomonas spp., etc. KCM21 showed the highest activity and was effective against a wide range of target organisms. Application of KCM21 with inoculation of Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum on detached cabbage leaves resulted in an immune phenotype or a significant reduction in symptom development, depending on the peptide concentration. Cytotoxicity of the four hexapeptides was evaluated in mouse and human epithelial cell lines using an MTT test. The results revealed a lack of cytotoxic effects.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.1076-1080
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• 2008

Glucagon, a peptide hormone produced by alpha-cells of Langerhans islets, is a physiological antagonist of insulin and stimulator of its secretion. In order to improve its bioactivity, we modified its structure at the C-terminus by amidation catalyzed by a recombinant amidase in bacterial cells. The human gene coding for glucagon-gly was PCR amplified using three overlapping primers and cloned together with a rat ${\alpha}$-amidase gene in plasmid pMGA. Both genes were expressed under control of the strong constitutive promoter of aph and secretion signal melC1 in Streptomyces lividans. With Phenyl-Sepharose 6 FF, Q-Sepharose FF, SP-Sepharose FF chromatographies and HPLC, the peptide was purified to about 93.4% purity. The molecular mass of the peptide is 3.494 kDa as analyzed by MALDI TOF, which agrees with the theoretical mass value of the C-terminal amidated glucagon. The N-terminal sequence of the peptide was also determined, confirming its identity with human glucagon at the N-terminal part. ELISA showed that the purified peptide amide is bioactive in reacting with glucagon antibodies.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.502-510
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• 2009

Although the Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit (LTB) has already been expressed in several different systems, including prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, studies regarding the synthesis of LTB into oligomeric structures of pentameric size in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been limited. Therefore, this study used a functional signal peptide of the amylase 1A protein from rice to direct the yeast-expressed LTB towards the endoplasmci reticulum to oligomerize with the expected pentameric size. The expression and assembly of the recombinant LTB were confirmed in both the cell-free extract and culture media of the recombinant strain using a Western blot analysis. The binding of the LTB pentamers to intestinal epithelial cell membrane glycolipid receptors was further verified using a GM1-ganglioside enzyme-linked inmmunosorbent assay (GM1-ELISA). On the basis of the GM1-ELISA results, pentameric LTB proteins comprised approximately 0.5-2.0% of the total soluble proteins, and the maximum quantity of secreted LTB was estimated to be 3 mg/l after a 3-day cultivation period. Consequently, the synthesis of LTB monomers and their assembly into biologically active aligomers in a recombinant S. cerevisiae strain demonstrated the feasibility of using a GRAS microorganism-based adjuvant, as well as the development of carriers against mucosal disease.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.179-185
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• 2009

Soybean grits, fortified with various bioactive components, were produced by solid-state fermentation using Bacillus subtilis HA. ${\alpha}$-Amylase activity gradually increased during fermentation over 5 days. Fibrinolytic and protease activities were highest in the soybean grits fermented for 7 days. The grits fermented for 5 days also showed the highest tyrosine content, indicating a higher peptide content. Peptides of low molecular weight (below 3,000 daltons) and browning pigments increased with increasing fermentation time. The fermented soybean grits showed higher contents of total phenolic compounds, to approximately 18 mg/g. DPPH free radical scavenging effects were higher in the soybean grits fermented for 3 days. Also, ABTS radical scavenging effects were greater in the fermented grits compared to the unfermented grits. Overall, the soybean grits fermented by solid-state fermentation for 5 days showed enhanced production of bioactive compounds and greater antioxidant properties.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.167-176
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• 2013

A novel bioactive molecule produced by Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki Bn1 (Bt-Bn1), isolated from a common pest of hazelnut, Balaninus nucum L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), was determined, purified, and characterized in this study. The Bt-Bn1 strain was investigated for antibacterial activity with an agar spot assay and well diffusion assay against B. cereus, B. weinhenstephenensis, L. monocytogenes, P. savastanoi, P. syringae, P. lemoignei, and many other B. thuringiensis strains. The production of bioactive molecule was determined at the early logarithmic phase in the growth cycle of strain Bt-Bn1 and its production continued until the beginning of the stationary phase. The mode of action of this molecule displayed bacteriocidal or bacteriolytic effect depending on the concentration. The bioactive molecule was purified 78-fold from the bacteria supernatant with ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis, ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, and HPLC, respectively. The molecular mass of this molecule was estimated via SDS-PAGE and confirmed by the ESI-TOFMS as 3,139 Da. The bioactive molecule was also determined to be a heat-stable, pH-stable (range 6-8), and proteinase K sensitive antibacterial peptide, similar to bacteriocins. Based on all characteristics determined in this study, the purified bacteriocin was named as thuricin Bn1 because of the similarities to the previously identified thuricin-like bacteriocin produced by the various B. thuringiensis strains. Plasmid elution studies showed that gene responsible for the production of thuricin Bn1 is located on the chromosome of Bt-Bn1. Therefore, it is a novel bacteriocin and the first recorded one produced by an insect originated bacterium. It has potential usage for the control of many different pathogenic and spoilage bacteria in the food industry, agriculture, and various other areas.