• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.89-97
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• 2013

Developing an animal model for a specific disease is very important in the understanding of the underlying mechanism of the disease and allows testing of newly developed new drugs before human application. However, which of the plethora of experimental animal species to use in model development can be perplexing. Administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is a very well known method to induce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease in mice. But, there is very limited information about the different sensitivities to MPTP among mouse strains. Here, we tested three different mouse strains (C57BL/6, Balb-C, and ICR) as a Parkinsonian model by repeated MPTP injections. In addition to behavioral analysis, endogenous levels of dopamine and tetrahydrobiopterin in mice brain regions, such as striatum, substantia nigra, and hippocampus were directly quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Repeated administrations of MPTP significantly affected the moving distances and rearing frequencies in all three mouse strains. The endogenous dopamine concentrations and expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase were significantly decreased after the repeated injections, but tetrahydrobiopterin did not change in analyzed brain regions. However, susceptibilities of the mice to MPTP were differed based on the degree of behavioral change, dopamine concentration in brain regions, and expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase, with C57BL/6 and Balb-C mice being more sensitive to the dopaminergic neuronal toxicity of MPTP than ICR mice.

• Korean Journal of Social Welfare
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• v.38
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• pp.33-67
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• 1999

This study is the second phase of the author's larger attempt to investigate the factors affecting housewives' caregiving behavior to their elderly parents-in-law. Specifically, it revises and expands the previous model (1998) and develops a new one by rectifying the three major problems inherent in the previous study: (1) misspecification error; (2) non-equivalent comparison of results between the father-in-law model and mother-in-law model that stems from the inclusion of heterogeneous group of caregivers; (3) measurement problems for the two endogenous variables of eldercare attitude and behavior. To do this, the current study proposes a more comprehensive model by additionally incorporating other salient exogenous variables, renders the comparison of results between the father-in-law and mother-in-law models equivalent by including only homogeneous group of caregivers (i. e., only those housewives whose parents-in-law are both alive), and introduces standardized measurement scales for the endogenous variables. Estimation of the model in terms of maximum likelihood procedures in LISREL8 attests to a better overall performance over the previous model when judged from several criteria such as coefficient of determination, model fit statistics, proportion of significant causal paths, and measurement properties of reliability and validity for the variables. Interpretation of the findings suggests several salient theoretical implications that concern such crucial issues as the inconsistency between eldercare attitude and behavior, patterns of association among the subdimensions of eldercare, and the difference in the antecedents explaining attitude as opposed to behavior of eldercare. In particular, the finding that indicates almost no differences in the determinants between the father-in-law and mother-in-law models suggests a strong case to argue that caregiving behavior to fathers-in-law and mothers-in-law, respectively, is likely to be a uniform phenomenon sharing virtual1y the same antecedents, and that a unified single model is sufficient to account for caregiving behavior to both parties.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.330-336
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• 2016

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in multiple cellular events, as well as in tumorigenesis. Colon cance-rassociated transcript-1 (CCAT1) gene encodes an lncRNA whose over-activation was observed in an expanding list of primary human solid tumors and tumor cell lines, however its biological roles in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) has not been reported yet at present. In this study, the aberrant upregulation of CCAT1 was detected in French-American-British M4 and M5 subtypes of adult AML patients. By gain- and loss-of-function analysis, we determined that CCAT1 repressed monocytic differentiation and promoted cell growth of HL-60 by sequestering tumor suppressive miR-155. Accordingly, a significant decrease in miR-155 level was detected in AML patients. Reintroduction of miR-155 into HL-60 cells restored monocytic maturation and repressed cell proliferation. Furthermore, CCAT1 could up-regulated c-Myc via its competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) activity on miR-155. In conclusion, these results revealed new mechanism of lncRNA CCAT1 in AML development, and suggested that the manipulation of CCAT1 expression could serve as a potential strategy in AML therapy.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.192-195
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• 2006

For the development of a qualitative PCR detection method for genetically modified perilla (Perilla frutescens), perilla species-specific gene, KAS-I (Beta-ketoacyl-ACP synthase I), was selected and validated as suitable for the use as an endogenous reference gene in perilla. Primer specificity was first tested by the means of qualitative PCR analysis. The primer pair Pfru3-F/R amplifying the perilla endogenous gene, KAS-I, gave rise to an amplicon 95 bp. No amplified product was observed when DNA samples from 15 different plants were used as templates. Qualitative PCR detection method was assayed with vitamin E-enriched GM Perilla developed in Korea. For the qualitative PCR detection method, the construct-specific detection primer pairs were constructed. The primer pair TMTO-F/R amplifying the junction region of TMT (${\gamma}$-tocopherol methyltransferase) gene and OCS (Octopine synthase) terminator introduced in GM perilla gave rise to an amplicon 148 bp.

• BMB Reports
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.98-105
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• 2021

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system is a family of DNA sequences originally discovered as a type of acquired immunity in prokaryotes such as bacteria and archaea. In many CRISPR systems, the functional ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) are composed of CRISPR protein and guide RNAs. They selectively bind and cleave specific target DNAs or RNAs, based on sequences complementary to the guide RNA. The specific targeted cleavage of the nucleic acids by CRISPR has been broadly utilized in genome editing methods. In the process of genome editing of eukaryotic cells, CRISPR-mediated DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) at specific genomic loci activate the endogenous DNA repair systems and induce mutations at the target sites with high efficiencies. Two of the major endogenous DNA repair machineries are non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homology-directed repair (HDR). In case of DSB, the two repair pathways operate in competition, resulting in several possible outcomes including deletions, insertions, and substitutions. Due to the inherent stochasticity of DSB-based genome editing methods, it was difficult to achieve defined single-base changes without unanticipated random mutation patterns. In order to overcome the heterogeneity in DSB-mediated genome editing, novel methods have been developed to incorporate precise single-base level changes without inducing DSB. The approaches utilized catalytically compromised CRISPR in conjunction with base-modifying enzymes and DNA polymerases, to accomplish highly efficient and precise genome editing of single and multiple bases. In this review, we introduce some of the advances in single-base level CRISPR genome editing methods and their applications.

• Journal of the Economic Geographical Society of Korea
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.438-453
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• 2020

This study attempts to examine the process of place-making, to define the role and interrelationship of the subjects and to analyze the placeness of the 'Kim Gwang-seok Road', a representative example of artificial place-making. Through a 10-year urban regeneration project based on the concept of Kim Gwang-seok, the alleyway between Bangcheon Market and the retaining wall of Sincheon-daero has been embedded as a memorial space for Kim Gwang-seok and an cultural art space. However, the existing placeness has weakened as the result of the excessive tourism in the late 2010s, while the characteristics of cultural commercial space has strengthened. This change in place has prompted community disintegration, which has caused the loss of momentum for sustainable development. To overcome these problems, it will be necessary to establish endogenous governance to expand and reproduce existing community capabilities, embedded social capital and place assets in new directions.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2008

Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), a mitogen- activated protein kinase kinase kinase, plays pivotal roles in stress responses. In addition, ASK1 has emerged as a key regulator of immune responses elicited by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and endogenous danger signals. Recent studies have demonstrated that reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent activation of ASK1 is required for LPS-stimulated cytokine production as well as extracellular ATP-induced apoptosis in immune cells. The mechanism of ROS-dependent regulation of ASK1 activity by thioredoxin and TRAFs has been well characterized. In this review, we focus on the molecular details of the activation of ASK1 and its involvement in innate immunity.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.99-105
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• 2000

Lithium, a simple monovalent cation, is the mainstay in the treatment of manic-depressive illness, but despite extensive research, its mechanism of action remains to be elucidated. Because lithium requires chronic administration for therapeutic efficacy and because its beneficial effects last well beyond its discontinuation, it has been postulated that lithium may exert major effects at the genomic level. We have previously shown that Yungmijihwangwon (YM) increase TH protein expression through antioxidant activity and unknown effects in vivo. In the pressent study, we have sought to determine if lithium in herbal medicine also increases the expression of endogenous gene known to be regulated by AP-1 and have therefore investigated the effects of herbal medicine on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels. Male mice were treated with LiCl and herbal medicine for 30 days, and TH levels and dopamine level were measured in striatum using immunoblotting and ECD-HPLC. Herbal medicine treatment resulted in statistically nonsignificant increase in TH levels in mouse striatum. The precise therapeutic relevance of these effects is presently unknown.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.117-126
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• 2021

Microfinance focuses on economic development at a minute level. Microfinance is adopted to reduce the poverty level in the economic system. This study is conducted to investigate the microfinance institutions' outreach, its growth, and challenges faced by the Microfinance Banks (MFBs) and Microfinance Institutions (MFIs). Data is collected from MFBs and MFIs working in Muzaffarabad as well as from interviews and focus group discussions. Findings are based upon lending, headcount ratio, offers, the value of their offer, and the possible growth chances of microfinance in Muzaffarabad. In addition to this, the challenges associated with microfinance outreach have been highlighted during analysis and guidelines have been provided to the MFBs and MFIs to increase their outreach. The sector is financially unstable which is attributable to its reliance on conventional sources of funding. The industry faces several endogenous as well as exogenous challenges from its environment which obstructs its growth. Further, it helps the policymakers to work on the development of the region and provide the base for further future research work.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.388-394
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• 2010

Metabolomics aims at the comprehensive, qualitative and quantitative analysis of wide arrays of endogenous metabolites in biological samples. It has shown particular promise in the area of toxicology and drug development, functional genomics, system biology and clinical diagnosis. In this study, analytical technique of MS instrument with high resolution mass measurement, such as time-of-flight (TOF) was validated for the purpose of investigation of amino acids, sugars and fatty acids. Rat urine and serum samples were extracted by selected each solvent (50% acetonitrile, 100% acetonitrile, acetone, methanol, water, ether) extraction method. We determined the optimized liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/TOFMS) system and selected appropriated columns, mobile phases, fragment energy and collision energy, which could search 17 metabolites. The spectral data collected from LC/TOFMS were tested by ANOVA. Obtained with the use of LC/TOFMS technique, our results indicated that (1) MS and MS/MS parameters were optimized and most abundant product ion of each metabolite were selected to be monitorized; (2) with design of experiment analysis, methanol yielded the optimal extraction efficiency. Therefore, the results of this study are expected to be useful in the endogenous metabolite fields according to validated SOP for endogenous amino acids, sugars and fatty acids.