• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.45 no.11
• /
• pp.846-854
• /
• 2022

Neurons make long-distance connections via their axons, and the accuracy and stability of these connections are crucial for brain function. Research using various animal models showed that the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the assembly and maintenance of neuronal circuitry are highly conserved in vertebrates. Therefore, to gain a deeper understanding of brain development and maintenance, an efficient vertebrate model is required, where the axons of a defined neuronal cell type can be genetically manipulated and selectively visualized in vivo. Placental mammals pose an experimental challenge, as time-consuming breeding of genetically modified animals is required due to their in utero development. Xenopus laevis, the most commonly used amphibian model, offers comparative advantages, since their embryos ex utero during which embryological manipulations can be performed. However, the tetraploidy of the X. laevis genome makes them not ideal for genetic studies. Here, we use Xenopus tropicalis, a diploid amphibian species, to visualize axonal pathfinding and degeneration of a single central nervous system neuronal cell type, the retinal ganglion cell (RGC). First, we show that RGC axons follow the developmental trajectory previously described in X. laevis with a slightly different timeline. Second, we demonstrate that co-electroporation of DNA and/or oligonucleotides enables the visualization of gene function-altered RGC axons in an intact brain. Finally, using this method, we show that the axon-autonomous, Sarm1-dependent axon destruction program operates in X. tropicalis. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that the visual system of X. tropicalis is a highly efficient model to identify new molecular mechanisms underlying axon guidance and survival.

• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.41-46
• /
• 2003

Difficulties associated with bioartificial liver (BAL) preservation limit not only the commercialization of BAL, but also its clinical trials. In this study, the possibility of cold preservation of BAL cartridges containing porcine hepatocytes was examined at 4$^{\circ}C$. In an in vitro perfusion culture System, BAL cartridges maintained cytochrome P450 metabolic function for at least 50 days. However, all BAL cartridges completely lost their ammonia eliminating ability when stored at 4$^{\circ}C$. We a1so studied the effect of cell density on the maintenance of BAL liver function In a highly differentiated and healthy state. As expected, BALs containing a larger number of hepatocytes demonstrated higher metabolic functions. When metabolic functions were compared per gram of hepatotytes, no large differences were observed between devices containing different densities of hepatocytes. Decreased cell density did not Successfully prolong BAL function. The viability and function of isolated hepatotytes highly depend on the culture conditions, such as cell density, substrata, culture media, and additives to the culture media. Perfusion culture of BAL cartridges at 4$^{\circ}C$ gave a promosing result with respect to the maintenance of P450 activity. However, as indicated by the rapid loss of ammonia metabolic activity, many factors still remain to be optimized for preservation of BAL keeping high metabolic functions for a longer time.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
• /
• 2015.08a
• /
• pp.196.2-196.2
• /
• 2015

There are various issues fabricating the successful and efficient solar cell structures. One of the most important issues is band alignment technique. The solar cells make the carrier in their active region over the p-n junction. Then, electrons and holes diffuse by minority carrier diffusion length. After they reach the edge of solar cells, there exist large energy barrier unless the good electrode are chosen. Many various conductor with different work functions can be selected to solve this energy barrier problem to efficiently extract carriers. Tungsten oxide has large band gap known as approximately 3.4 eV, and usually this material shows n-type property with reported work function of 6.65 eV. They are extremely high work function and trap level by oxygen vacancy cause them to become the hole extraction layer for optical devices like solar cells. In this study, we deposited tungsten oxide thin films by sputtering technique with various sputtering conditions. Their electrical contact properties were characterized with transmission line model pattern. The structure of tungsten oxide thin films were measured by x-ray diffraction. With x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the content of oxygen was investigated, and their defect states were examined by spectroscopic ellipsometry, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, and photoluminescence measurements.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.27 no.5
• /
• pp.503-513
• /
• 2009

Proteoglycans located in basement membranes, the nanostructures underling epithelial and endothelial layers, are unique in several respects. They are usually large, elongated molecules with a collage of domains that share structural and functional homology with numerous extracellular matrix proteins, growth factors and surface receptors. They mainly carry heparan sulfate side chains and these contribute not only to storing and preserving the biological activity of various heparan sulfate-binding cytokines and growth factors, but also in presenting them in a more "active configuration" to their cognate receptors. Abnormal expression or deregulated function of these proteoglycans affect cancer and angiogenesis, and are critical for the evolution of the tumor microenvironment. This review will focus on the functional roles of the major heparan sulfate proteoglycans from basement membrane zones: perlecan, agrin and collagen XVIII, and on their roles in modulating cancer growth and angiogenesis.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.8 no.4
• /
• pp.107-123
• /
• 2008

It has now been well documented in a variety of models that T regulatory T cells (Treg cells) play a pivotal role in the maintenance of self-tolerance, T cell homeostasis, tumor, allergy, autoimmunity, allograft transplantation and control of microbial infection. Recently, Treg cell are isolated and can be expanded in vitro and in vivo, and their role is the subject of intensive investigation, particularly on the possible Treg cell therapy for various immune-mediated diseases. A growing body of evidence has demonstrated that Treg cells can prevent or even cure a wide range of diseases, including tumor, allergic and autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, graft-versus-host disease. Currently, a large body of data in the literature has been emerging and provided evidence that clear understanding of Treg cell work will present definite opportunities for successful Treg cell immunotherapy for the treatment of a broad spectrum of diseases. In this Review, I briefly discuss the biology of Treg cells, and summarize efforts to exploit Treg cell therapy for autoimmune diseases. This article also explores recent observations on pharmaceutical agents that abrogate or enhance the function of Treg cells for manipulation of Treg cells for therapeutic purpose.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.27-33
• /
• 2009

Macrophages generated in vitro using macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and interleukin (IL)-6 from bone marrow cells (BM-Mp) are defective in antigen presenting cell (APC) function as shown by their ability to induce the proliferation of anti-CD3 mAb-primed syngeneic T cells. However, they do express major histocompatibility (MHC) class I and II molecules. accessory molecules and intracellular adhesion molecules. Here we demonstrate that the defective APC function of macrophages is mainly due to production of $TGF-{\beta}1$ by BM-Mp. Methods: Microarray analysis showed that $TGF-{\beta}1$ was highly expressed in BM-Mp, compared to a macrophage cell line, B6D. which exerted efficient APC function. Production of $TGF-{\beta}1$ by BM-Mp was confirmed by neutralization experiments of $TGF-{\beta}1$ as well as by real time-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Addition of $anti-TGF-{\beta}1$ monoclonal antibody to cultures of BM-Mp and anti-CD3 mAb-primed syngeneic T cells efficiently induced the proliferation of syngeneic T cells. Conversely, the APC function of B6D cells was almost completely suppressed by addition of $TGF-{\beta}1$. Quantitative real time-PCR analysis also confirmed the enhanced expression of $TGF-{\beta}1$ in BM-Mp. Conclusion: The defective APC function of macrophages generated in vitro with M-CSF and IL-6 was mainly due to the production of $TGF-{\beta}1$ by macrophages.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.10.1-10.16
• /
• 2023

Memory T (Tm) cells protect against Ags that they have previously contacted with a fast and robust response. Therefore, developing long-lived Tm cells is a prime goal for many vaccines and therapies to treat human diseases. The remarkable characteristics of Tm cells have led scientists and clinicians to devise methods to make Tm cells more useful. Recently, Tm cells have been highlighted for their role in coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines during the ongoing global pandemic. The importance of Tm cells in cancer has been emerging. However, the precise characteristics and functions of Tm cells in these diseases are not completely understood. In this review, we summarize the known characteristics of Tm cells and their implications in the development of vaccines and immunotherapies for human diseases. In addition, we propose to exploit the beneficial characteristics of Tm cells to develop strategies for effective vaccines and overcome the obstacles of immunotherapy.

• Applied Microscopy
• /
• v.44 no.2
• /
• pp.68-73
• /
• 2014

With wide use of nano-materials, it is increasingly important to address their potential toxicity to mammalian cells. However, toxic effects of these materials have been mainly assessed by the cell survival assays. Considering that mitochondrial morphology and quality are highly sensitive to the condition of the cells, and the impairment of mitochondrial function greatly affect the survival of cells, here we tested the impact of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) on the survival, mitochondrial morphology, and their membrane potential in HeLa cells. Interestingly, although MWNT did not induce cell death until 24 hours as assessed by pyknotic cell assay, mitochondrial length was elongated and the mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly reduced by exposure of HeLa cells to MWNT. These results suggest that MWNT exposure is potentially harmful to the cell, and the mechanism how MWNT alters mitochondrial quality should be further explored to assess the safety of MWNT use.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.46 no.6
• /
• pp.289-294
• /
• 2013

To maintain cellular homeostasis against the demands of the extracellular environment, a precise regulation of kinases and phosphatases is essential. In cell cycle regulation mechanisms, activation of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK1) and cyclin B complex (CDK1:cyclin B) causes a remarkable change in protein phosphorylation. Activation of CDK1:cyclin B is regulated by two auto-amplification loops-CDK1:cyclin B activates Cdc25, its own activating phosphatase, and inhibits Wee1, its own inhibiting kinase. Recent biological evidence has revealed that the inhibition of its counteracting phosphatase activity also occurs, and it is parallel to CDK1:cyclin B activation during mitosis. Phosphatase regulation of mitotic kinases and their substrates is essential to ensure that the progression of the cell cycle is ordered. Outlining how the mutual control of kinases and phosphatases governs the localization and timing of cell division will give us a new understanding about cell cycle regulation.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
• /
• v.48
• /
• pp.24-30
• /
• 2003

Plant fats and oils contain phytosterols as naturally occurring constituents, which are present in pure or esterified form, or conjugated as glycosides. The predominant phytosterol is sitosterol and minor components are campesterol, stigmasterol, $\Delta^7$-avenasterol and brassicasterol. They play a key role in cell membrane function of plants as cholesterol in animals. Phytosterols have been known for many years for their properties for reducing blood cholesterol levels, as well as their other beneficial health effects for cancer preventive biological-active substances. The objective of this paper is to present a description of the recent advances in phytosterols for future research.