• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.62-69
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• 2014

In the results of monitoring nitrate concentration in more than 8,000 groundwater wells around agro-livestock, the average and maximum nitrate concentration was 9.4 mg/L and 101.2 mg/L, respectively. Since about 31% of the monitoring wells was exceed the quality standard for drinking water, nitrate control such as remediation or source regulation is required to conserve safe-groundwater in South Korea. Typical nitrate-treatment technologies include ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and biological denitrification. Among the treatment methods, biological denitrification by indigenous microorganism has environmental and economic advantages for the complete elimination of nitrate because of lower operating costs compared to other methods. Major mechanism of the process is microbial reduction of nitrate to nitrite and nitrogen gas. Three functional genes (nosZ, nirK, nirS) that encode for the enzyme involved in the pathway. In this work, we tried to develop simple process to determine possibility of natural denitrification reaction by monitoring the functional gene. For the work, the functional genes in nitrate-contaminated groundwater were monitored by using PCR with specific target primers. In the result, functional genes (nosZ and nirK) encoding denitrification enzymes were detected in the groundwater samples. This method can help to determine the possibility of natural-nitrate degradation in target groundwater wells without multiplex experimental process. In addition, for field-remediation application we selected nitrate-contaminated site where 200~600 mg/L of nitrate is continuously detected. To determine the possibility of nitrate-degradation by stimulated-natural attenuation, groundwater was sampled in two different wells of the site and nitrate concentration of the samples was 300 mg/L and 616 mg/L, respectively. Fumarate for different C/N ratio was added into microcosm bottles containing the groundwater to examine denitrification rate depending on carbon concentration. In the result, once 1.5 times more than amount of fumarate stoichiometry required was added, the 616 mg/L of nitrate and 300 mg/L of nitrate were completely degraded in 8 days and 30 days. The nitrite, byproduct of denitrification process, was also completely degraded during the experimental period.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.160-163
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• 2019

Senegalimassilia sp. KGMB 04484 was isolated from fecal samples obtained from a healthy Korean. The whole-genome sequence of Senegalimassilia sp. KGMB 04484 was analyzed using the PacBio Sequel platform. The genome comprises a 2,748,041 bp chromosome with a G+C content of 61.18%, 2,300 total genes, 2,139 protein-coding gene, 21 rRNA genes, and 51 tRNA genes. Also, we found that strain KGMB 04484 had some genes for hydrolysis enzyme, fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism in its genome based on the result of genome analysis. Those genes of KGMB 04484 may be related to regulation of human health and digest.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.103-111
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• 2019

DNA methylation is involved in diverse processes in bacteria, including maintenance of genome integrity and regulation of gene expression. CcrM, the DNA methyltransferase conserved in Alphaproteobacterial species, carries out $N^6$-adenine or $N^4$-cytosine methyltransferase activities using S-adenosyl methionine as a co-substrate. Celeribacter marinus IMCC12053 from the Alphaproteobacterial group was isolated from a marine environment. Single molecule real-time sequencing method (SMRT) was used to detect the methylation patterns of C. marinus IMCC12053. Gibbs motif sampler program was used to observe the conversion of adenosine of 5'-GANTC-3' to $N^6$-methyladenosine and conversion of $N^4$-cytosine of 5'-GpC-3' to $N^4$-methylcytosine. Exocyclic DNA methyltransferase from the genome of strain IMCC12053 was chosen using phylogenetic analysis and $N^4$-cytosine methyltransferase was cloned. IPTG inducer was used to confirm the methylation activity of DNA methylase, and cloned into a pQE30 vector using dam-/dcm- E. coli as the expression host. The genomic DNA and the plasmid carrying methylase-encoding sequences were extracted and cleaved with restriction enzymes that were sensitive to methylation, to confirm the methylation activity. These methylases protected the restriction enzyme site once IPTG-induced methylases methylated the chromosome and plasmid, harboring the DNA methylase. In this study, cloned exocyclic DNA methylases were investigated for potential use as a novel type of GpC methylase for molecular biology and epigenetics.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.317-326
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• 2019

The present study aimed to investigate the comparative evaluation of pharmacological efficacy between sulfasalazine alone and combination with herbal medicine on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC in mice. Balb/c mice received 5% DSS in drinking water for 7 days to induce colitis. Animals were divided into five groups (n = 9): group I-normal group, group II-DSS control group, group III-DSS + sulfasalazine (30 mg/kg), group IV-DSS + sulfasalazine (60 mg/kg), group V-DSS + sulfasalazine (30 mg/kg) + Radish Extract mixture (30 mg /kg) (SRE). DSS-treated mice developed symptoms similar to those of human UC, such as severe bloody diarrhea and weight loss. SRE supplementation, as well as sulfasalazine, suppressed colonic length and mucosal inflammatory infiltration. In addition, SRE treatment significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules through suppression both MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) signaling pathways, and prevented the apoptosis of colon. Moreover, SRE administration significantly led to the up-regulation of anti-oxidant enzyme including SOD and Catalase. This is the first report that Radish extract mixture combined with sulfasalazine protects against experimental UC via the inhibition of both inflammation and apoptosis, very similar to the standard-of-care sulfasalazin.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.82 no.2
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• pp.133-142
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• 2019

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis involves irreversible alveolar destruction. Although alveolar epithelial type II cells are key functional participants within the lung parenchyma, how epithelial cells are affected upon bleomycin (BLM) exposure remains unknown. In this study, we determined whether BLM could induce cell cycle arrest via regulation of Schlafen (SLFN) family genes, a group of cell cycle regulators known to mediate growth-inhibitory responses and apoptosis in alveolar epithelial type II cells. Methods: Mouse AE II cell line MLE-12 were exposed to $1-10{\mu}g/mL$ BLM and $0.01-100{\mu}M$ baicalein (Bai), a G1/G2 cell cycle inhibitor, for 24 hours. Cell viability and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed by MTT and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Apoptosis-related gene expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cellular morphology was determined after DAPI and Hoechst 33258 staining. To verify cell cycle arrest, propidium iodide (PI) staining was performed for MLE-12 after exposure to BLM. Results: BLM decreased the proliferation of MLE-12 cells. However, it significantly increased expression levels of interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor ${\alpha}$, and transforming growth factor ${\beta}1$. Based on Hoechst 33258 staining, BLM induced condensation of nuclear and fragmentation. Based on DAPI and PI staining, BLM significantly increased the size of nuclei and induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. Results of qRT-PCR analysis revealed that BLM increased mRNA levels of BAX but decreased those of Bcl2. In addition, BLM/Bai increased mRNA levels of p53, p21, SLFN1, 2, 4 of Schlafen family. Conclusion: BLM exposure affects pulmonary epithelial type II cells, resulting in decreased proliferation possibly through apoptotic and cell cycle arrest associated signaling.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.614-628
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• 2019

Objective: The inhibitory leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptors (LILRBs) play an important role in innate immunity. The present study represents the first description of the cloning and structural and functional analysis of LILRB1 and LILRB3 isolated from two genetically disparate chicken lines. Methods: Chicken LILRB1-3 genes were identified by bioinformatics approach. Expression studies were performed by transfection, quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Signal transduction was analyzed by western blots, immunoprecipitation and flow cytometric. Cytokine levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Amino acid homology and phylogenetic analyses showed that the homologies of LILRB1 and LILRB3 in the chicken line 6.3 to those proteins in the chicken line 7.2 ranged between 97%-99%, while homologies between chicken and mammal proteins ranged between 13%-19%, and 13%-69%, respectively. Our findings indicate that LILRB1 and LILRB3 subdivided into two groups based on the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIM) present in the transmembrane domain. Chicken line 6.3 has two ITIM motifs of the sequence LxYxxL and SxYxxV while line 7.2 has two ITIM motifs of the sequences LxYxxL and LxYxxV. These motifs bind to SHP-2 (protein tyrosine phosphatase, non-receptor type 11) that plays a regulatory role in immune functions. Moreover, our data indicate that LILRB1 and LILRB3 associated with and activated major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and ${\beta}2-microglobulin$ and induced the expression of transporters associated with antigen processing, which are essential for MHC class I antigen presentation. This suggests that LILRB1 and LILRB3 are transcriptional regulators, modulating the expression of components in the MHC class I pathway and thereby regulating immune responses. Furthermore, LILRB1 and LILRB3 activated Janus kinase2/tyrosine kinase 2 (JAK2/TYK2); signal transducer and activator of transcription1/3 (STAT1/3), and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 genes expressed in Macrophage (HD11) cells, which induced Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines. Conclusion: These data indicate that LILRB1 and LILRB3 are innate immune receptors associated with SHP-2, MHC class I, ${\beta}2-microglobulin$, and they activate the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathway. Thus, our study provides novel insights into the regulation of immunity and immunopathology.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.234-247
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• 2021

We used a heterozygous gene deletion library of fission yeasts comprising all essential and non-essential genes for a microarray screening of target genes of the antifungal terbinafine, which inhibits ergosterol synthesis via the Erg1 enzyme. We identified 14 heterozygous strains corresponding to 10 non-essential [7 ribosomal-protein (RP) coding genes, spt7, spt20, and elp2] and 4 essential genes (tif302, rpl2501, rpl31, and erg1). Expectedly, their erg1 mRNA and protein levels had decreased compared to the control strain SP286. When we studied the action mechanism of the non-essential target genes using cognate haploid deletion strains, knockout of SAGA-subunit genes caused a down-regulation in erg1 transcription compared to the control strain ED668. However, knockout of RP genes conferred no susceptibility to ergosterol-targeting antifungals. Surprisingly, the RP genes participated in the erg1 transcription as components of repressor complexes as observed in a comparison analysis of the experimental ratio of erg1 mRNA. To understand the action mechanism of the interaction between the drug and the novel essential target genes, we performed isobologram assays with terbinafine and econazole (or cycloheximide). Terbinafine susceptibility of the tif302 heterozygous strain was attributed to both decreased erg1 mRNA levels and inhibition of translation. Moreover, Tif302 was required for efficacy of both terbinafine and cycloheximide. Based on a molecular modeling analysis, terbinafine could directly bind to Tif302 in yeasts, suggesting Tif302 as a potential off-target of terbinafine. In conclusion, this genome-wide screening system can be harnessed for the identification and characterization of target genes under any condition of interest.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.64 no.1
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• pp.89-96
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• 2021

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of Caulerpa okamurae ethanol extract (COE) on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity as one of the drug targets for treatment of type2 diabetes. COE significantly inhibited protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP1B) and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) enzyme activities in vitro assay. Also, COE significantly enhanced the glucose uptake and the expression of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and glucose transporter4 (GLUT4) proteins in 3T3-L1 adipocytes or zebrafish larvae compared with control. In dexamethasone-induced resistance model of L6 myotubes, the protein expression of insulin signaling and glucose uptake was effectively increased by the treatment of COE. In contrast, the elevated phosphorylation of IRS-1 Ser307 was normally suppressed by treatment of COE. However, COE had no effect on insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells. Thus, our results suggest that COE improves the glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity through the regulation of insulin signaling and GLUT4 protein in insulin's target cells and zebrafish larvae.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.541-556
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• 2022

Myocardial fibrosis is a key link in the occurrence and development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Its etiology is complex, and the effect of drugs is not good. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis is an important cause of myocardial fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of gaseous signal molecule sulfur dioxide (SO₂) on diabetic myocardial fibrosis and its internal regulatory mechanism. Masson and TUNEL staining, Western-blot, transmission electron microscopy, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry were used in the study, and the interstitial collagen deposition, autophagy, apoptosis, and changes in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways were evaluated from in vivo and in vitro experiments. The results showed that diabetic myocardial fibrosis was accompanied by cardiomyocyte apoptosis and down-regulation of endogenous SO₂-producing enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AAT)_1/2. However, exogenous SO₂ donors could up-regulate AAT_1/2, reduce apoptosis of cardiomyocytes induced by diabetic rats or high glucose, inhibit phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT protein, up-regulate autophagy, and reduce interstitial collagen deposition. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the gaseous signal molecule SO₂ can inhibit the PI3K/AKT pathway to promote cytoprotective autophagy and inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis to improve myocardial fibrosis in diabetic rats. The results of this study are expected to provide new targets and intervention strategies for the prevention and treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.63-69
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• 2022

The thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) system is essential for cell survival and function by playing a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis of cellular redox and regulating signal transduction pathways. The TrxR system comprises thioredoxin (Trx), TrxR, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. Trx reduced by the catalytic reaction of the TrxR enzyme reduces downstream proteins, resulting in protection against oxidative stress and regulation of cell differentiation, growth, and death. Cancer cells survive by improving their intracellular antioxidant capacity to eliminate excessively generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to infinite cell proliferation and a high metabolic rate. Therefore, cancer cells have high dependence and sensitivity to antioxidant systems, suggesting that focusing on TrxR, a representative antioxidant system, is a potential strategy for cancer therapy. Several studies have revealed that TrxR is expressed at high levels in various types of cancers, and research on anticancer activity targeting the TrxR system is increasing. In this review, we discuss the feasibility and value of the TrxR system as a strategy for anticancer activity research by examining the relationship between the function of the intracellular TrxR system and the development and progression of cancer, considering the anticancer activity and mechanism of TrxR inhibitors.