• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권17호
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• pp.7169-7174
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• 2014

Background: NPAS2 is a product of the circadian clock gene. It acts as a putative tumor suppressor by playing an important role in DNA damage responses, cell cycle control and apoptosis. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) appears to be an apoptosis related disorder and alteration in the NPAS2 gene might therefore be directly involved in the etiology of CLL. Here, the Ala394Thr polymorphism (rs2305160:G>A) in the NPAS2 gene was genotyped and melatonin concentrations were measured in a total of seventy-four individuals, including thirty-seven CLL cases and an equal number of age- and sex-matched healthy controls in order to examine the effect of NPAS2 polymorphism and melatonin concentrations on CLL risk in a Pakistani population. Materials and Methods: Genotyping of rs2305160:G>A polymorphism at NPAS2 locus was carried out by amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR). Melatonin concentrations were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. Results: Our results demonstrated no association of the variant Thr genotypes (Ala/Thr and Thr/Thr) with risk of CLL. Similarly, no association of rs2305160 with CLL was observed in either females or males after stratification of study population on a gender basis. Moreover, when the subjects with CLL were further stratified into shift-workers and non-shift-workers, no association of rs2305160 with CLL was seen in either case. However, significantly low serum melatonin levels were observed in CLL patients as compared to healthy subjects (p<0.05). Also, lower melatonin levels were seen in shift-workers as compared to non-shift-workers (p<0.05). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the melatonin levels across NPAS2 genotypes in all subjects, subjects with CLL who were either shift workers or non-shift-workers. General Linear Model (GLM) univariate analysis revealed no significant association (p>0.05) of the rs2305160 polymorphism of the NPAS2 gene with melatonin levels in any of the groups. Conclusions: While low melatonin levels and shift-work can be considered as one of the risk factors for CLL, the NPAS2 rs2305160 polymorphism does not appear to have any association with risk of CLL in our Pakistani population.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권11호
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• pp.6569-6572
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• 2013

In cervical cancer, one of the most common malignant tumors in women worldwide, miR-126 has been reported to exhibit decreased expression. However, its role in cervical cancer cell proliferation and drug sensitivity has remained relatively unexplored. Here, we compared the expression of miR-126 in cervical cancer tissues (n = 20) with that in normal cervical tissue (n = 20) using quantitative RT-PCR. The viability of Siha cervical cancer cells was further measured by MTT assay after transfection with miR-126 mimic (Siha-miR-126 mimic) or microRNA mimic negative control (Siha-miR mimic NC) and after treatment with various concentrations of bleomycin (BLM). IC50s were calculated, and the survival rates (SRs) of Siha cells were calculated. miR-126 expression in cervical cancer tissue was significantly decreased compared with that in normal cervical tissue (P < 0.01). The relative SRs of Siha-miR-126 mimic cells were also significantly decreased compared with those of Siha-miR mimic NC cells at 24-96 h after transfection. The IC50 of BLM in Siha-miR-126 mimic cells ($50.3{\pm}2.02{\mu}g/mL$) was decreased compared with that in Siha-miR mimic NC cells ($70.5{\pm}4.33{\mu}g/mL$) at 48 h after transfection (P < 0.05). Finally, the SRs of Siha-miR-126 mimic cells were significantly lower than those of SihamiR mimic NC cells after cultured in medium containing 40 ${\mu}g/mL$ BLM for 24-96 h (P < 0.05). These results suggest that miR-126 is expressed at low levels in cervical cancer. Upregulation of miR-126 inhibited cervical cancer cell proliferation and enhanced the sensitivity to BLM. Thus, miR-126 may represent a novel approach to cervical cancer treatment.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권11호
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• pp.6605-6611
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• 2013

Background: WEE1 is a G2/M checkpoint regulator protein. Various studies have indicated that WEE1 could be a good target for cancer therapy. The main aim of this study was to asssess the tumor suppressive potential of WEE1 silencing in two different breast cancer cell lines, MCF7 which carries the wild-type p53 and MDA-MB468 which contains a mutant type. Materials and Methods: After WEE1 knockdown with specific shRNAs downstream effects on cell viability and cell cycle progression were determined using MTT and flow cytometry analyses, respectively. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were conducted to assess the effect of WEE1 inhibition on the expression of apoptotic (p53) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl2) factors and also a growth marker (VEGF). Results: The results showed that WEE1 inhibition could cause a significant decrease in the viability of both MCF7 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cell lines by more than 50%. Interestingly, DNA content assays showed a significant increase in apoptotic cells following WEE1 silencing. WEE1 inhibition also induced upregulation of the apoptotic marker, p53, in breast cancer cells. A significant decrease in the expression of VEGF and Bcl-2 was observed following WEE1 inhibition in both cell lines. Conclusions: In concordance with previous studies, our data showed that WEE1 inhibition could induce G2 arrest abrogation and consequent cell death in breast cancer cells. Moreover, in this study, the observed interactions between the pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins and decrease in the angiogenesis marker expression confirm the susceptibility to apoptosis and validate the tumor suppressive effect of WEE1 inhibition in breast cancer cells. Interestingly, the levels of the sensitivity to WEE1 silencing in breast cancer cells, MCF7 and MDA-MB468, seem to be in concordance with the level of p53 expression.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제17권9호
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• pp.4241-4246
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• 2016

Background: Dysregulation of miRNA expression may be used as a biomarker for specific tumours because it may contribute to development of cancer. Circulating miRNA profiles have been highlighted for their potential as predictive markers in heterogeneous diseases such as breast cancer. In the literature, there is evidence that miR-195 levels are differentially expressed pre- and post-operative periods in breast cancer patients. At the same time, miRNA expression levels may vary because of ethnic origins. This study aimed to determine expression levels and potential roles of miR-195 in Turkish breast cancer patients. Materials and Methods: The expression patterns of miR-195 were initially examined in breast cancer tissues (luminal A and B type) (n=96). Subsequently, blood samples were prospectively collected from preoperative and postoperative Turkish breast cancer patients and disease free controls. Total RNA was isolated, and the expression level of miR-195 was quantified by real-time PCR. Results: We found that miR-195 level was altered in Turkish breast cancer patients, with down-regulation evident in breast cancer tissues compared to normal adjacent specimens. Furthermore, circulating levels of miR-195 was significantly decreased in post-operative blood samples compared with pre-operative levels (p=0.01 and <0.05). However, miR-195 was significantly increased in pre-operative blood samples of the luminal B type (p=0.04 and <0.05). Conclusions: This study represents the first report of a miR-195 expression profile in Turkish breast cancer patients. Our data suggests that miR-195 levels might be a clinically useful biomarker in the earliest stage of Turkish breast cancer patients.

• 농업과학연구
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• 제38권3호
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• pp.453-458
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• 2011

The MC1R (Melanocortin 1 receptor) gene has been known as a causative gene of the coat colors in mammals and responsible for the E (Extension) locus which has three alleles ($E^D$, $E^+$, e) that determines coat colors. The dominant allele $E^D$ produces black or brown colors due to the missense mutation and the recessive e allele has frameshift mutation which shows red or yellow coat colors. Whereas the wild type $E^+$ produces variety of colors due to the interaction with A (Agouti) locus. In this study, PCR-RFLP was performed using two restriction enzymes (BsrF I and MspA1 I) in order to obtain MC1R genotypes in Korean brindle cattle and black cattle. The results showed that all of the animals have the $E^+$ alleles, indicating the $E^+$ allele might related with black coat colors. Later on, the experiments expanded to the 260 Korean candidate bulls whether these animals have the same $E^+$ allele. Among 260 samples investigated, 5% (13/260) of the animals had $E^+$e genotypes, indicating the $E^+$ allele is also present in the candidate bulls in a low frequency. Even though we expected that A locus also affect the black coat color in cattle, all the black coat color animals (brindle and black) have $E^+$ alleles in this study. Therefore, the genotyping of the MC1R gene in candidate bulls will recommended be applied for eliminating of black coat colors in Hanwoo population, if the farmers need to have the brown coat colors only.

• 혜화의학회지
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• 제25권1호
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• pp.71-86
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• 2016

Objective : Hongyi (Formica yessensis) is the dried insect of fomicidae. In previous studies, it appeared possibilities on anti-thrombosis, preventing atherosclerosis, treating rheumatoid disease, and inhibiting hela cell. In this study, we investigated anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism of Hongyi. Methods : Hongyi A was extracted by water and made dried powder. Hongyi B was extracted by ethanol and made dried powder. We measured Nitric Oxide (NO) production on the mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7), mouse vascular endothelial cell (MOVAS) and human vascular endothelial cell (HUVEC) for anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, we conducted reverse transcription reaction (RT-PCR) for investigating the mechanism. Results : In RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated by LPS, Hongyi A ($100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) decreased NO production compared with LPS $2{\mu}g/ml$ control group with statistical significance (p<0.05). Hongyi A (50, $100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) also decreased NO production compared with LPS $4{\mu}g/ml$ control group with statistical significance (p<0.01). Hongyi B (50, $100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) decreased NO production compared with LPS $2{\mu}g/ml$ control group with statistical significance (p<0.01). Hongyi B (10, 50, $100{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) also decreased NO production compared with LPS $4{\mu}g/ml$ control group with statistical significance (p<0.01, p<0.001, p<0.001). In the MOVAS, Hongyi A and B increased NO production compared with control group. In the HUVEC, Hongyi B increased NO production compared with control group. The expression of NF-${\kappa}B$ in 12-hours MOVAS culture was decreased by Hongyi A and B (10, $50{\mu}g/ml$) compared with control group, but expression of $I{\kappa}B$ was increased. In the 24-hours MOVAS culture, expression of $I{\kappa}B$ was significantly increased. The expression of NF-${\kappa}B$ in 12-hours HUVEC culture was decreased by Hongyi A and B compared with control group, but expression of $I{\kappa}B$ was increased. Hongyi B also increased eNOS mRNA gene expression. Conclusions : Hongyi A and B showed anti-inflammatory effect in mouse macrophages with the activation of vascular endothelial cell through NO production in MOVAS and HUVEC repectively. Honyi B showed superior effect than Hongyi A, but additonal mechanism study should be conducted.

• 약학회지
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• 제56권3호
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• pp.191-197
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• 2012

We previously reported that the novel isoflavone-free peptide mixture (black soybean peptide, BSP) had several beneficial effects like antiobesity and hypotriglyceridemic effect. However, there are no reports for BSP on anti-hypertensive activity. BSP induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in HUVECs, thus investigated the HO-1-induced activity in HUVECs and the anti-hypertensive effects in SHR animal model. BSP significantly induced HO-1 expression both at transcriptional and protein levels in a time- and dose-dependent manner as measured by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. These inductions were abolished by pretreatment of N-acetyl-cystein (NAC, 1~10 mM), but not by employing Tempol, a superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic (1~5 mM). As expected, enzymatic activity (~2 fold) determined by bilirubin formation assay and cGMP concentration (~6 fold) were significantly increased in BSP-treated cells. Based on the numerous evidences on the beneficial effects of HO-1 and our results, we investigated in vivo effects of BSP on the antihypertensive activity. The administration of BSP (1% in drinking water) significantly decreased mean blood pressure (BP) (from $218.6{\pm}6.99$ to $190.0{\pm}3.42$ mm Hg, p<0.01). This result indicates that BSP is strong inducer of HO-1 expression, which may be triggered by oxidative stress, and has anti-hypertensive activity.

• 식물분류학회지
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• 제43권4호
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• pp.252-262
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• 2013

캄보디아 캄폿주 프놈보콜국립공원에 대한 식물상 조사 중 열대성 전기생식물인 B. fungosa var. indica를 발견하였다. 이들의 숙주를 확인하기 위해 숙주의 뿌리와 더불어 주변에 위치한 목본 식물을 채집하였으며, 이들을 DNA barcoding 방법을 사용하여 동정하였다. DNA barcode 마커로는 엽록체 rbcL 및 matK 유전자 구간을 적용하였으며, 15개의 숙주 뿌리와 7개의 주변 목본식물로부터 성공적으로 PCR 증폭 및 염기서열을 확보하였다. 숙주 뿌리로부터 얻어진 숙주의 염기서열은 앵초과, 노박덩굴과, 도금양과, 그리고 물푸레나무과로 식별되었으며, 주변의 목본식물은 물푸레나무과, 도금양과, 무환자나무과, 장미과, 물레나물과, 철쭉과와 녹나무과였다. 속 수준에서 앵초과는 Myrsine, 노박덩굴과는 Euonymus, 도금양과는 Syzygium, 물푸레나무과는 Olea 등으로 각각 식별되었으나, 종 수준에서의 동정은 불가능하였다. 앵초과 Myrsine와 물푸레나무과 Olea는 본 연구를 통해 최초로 B. fungosa var. indica의 숙주로 확인되었다. 추가적인 채집 조사 및 비교 연구, DNA barcoding을 통해 해당 지역의 생물다양성과 Balanophora속 식물의 숙주 식물 및 진화에 대해 좀더 명확하게 확인이 가능할 것으로 판단된다.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.199-205
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• 2009

인삼에 대한 microsatellite 개발은 다른 분자적 마커들에 비해 늦게 이루어져, 최근에 와서야 인삼의 microsatellite 들이 보고되고 있는 실정이다. 본 연구에서는, 분리된 microsatellite들 중에서 5 개의 다형성 마커를 선별하여 국내 경작지나 시장에서 유통되는 인삼을 대상으로 유전적 다형성을 조사하고, 각 마커의 특성을 규명하였다. 유전자형 분석은 변성 PAGE와 silver staining법으로 하거나 형광표지 primer로 표지한 PCR 산물을 자동 염기서열 분석기로 분석하였다. 본 연구에서 개발한 5개의 microsatellite 마커들의 평균 대립유전자 수는 3.2 개였으며, 평균 GD는 0.367 였다. 전체적으로 볼 때, PG1419가 가장 높은 다형성을 보였으며 (PIC: 0.460, GD: 0.543), PG770은 가장 낮은 다형성을 나타내었다 (PIC: 0.070, GD: 0.078). 각 좌위들의 예상 이형접합도 (H$_{exp}$)는 0.077에서 0.541 (mean = 0.313)로 계산되었으나, 관측 이형접합도 (H$_{obs}$)는 0.040에서 0.130 (mean = 0.083)으로 훨씬 낮게 관찰되었으며, 유전자형의 분포는 Hardy-Weinberg 평형상태에서 벗어남을 보였다. 본 연구에서 개발한 인삼의 microsatellite 마커들은 인삼의 분자적 마커의 데이터베이스 확립의 기초 자료로 활용될 뿐 아니라, 인삼의 분자적 구별법 및 QTL 좌위의 염색체지도 작성에 유용하게 활용될 것이다.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
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• 제21권1호
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• pp.47-54
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• 2017

Unlike mouse results, cloning efficiency of nuclear transfer from porcine induced pluripotent stem cells (piPSCs) is very low. The present study was performed to investigate the effect of cell cycle inhibitors on the cell cycle synchronization of piPSCs. piPSCs were generated using combination of six human transcriptional factors under stem cell culture condition. To examine the efficiency of cell cycle synchronization, piPSCs were cultured on a matrigel coated plate with stem cell media and they were treated with staurosporine (STA, 20 nM), daidzein (DAI, $100{\mu}M$), roscovitine (ROSC, $10{\mu}M$), or olomoucine (OLO, $200{\mu}M$) for 12 h. Flow Cytometry (FACs) data showed that piPSCs in control were in G1 ($37.5{\pm}0.2%$), S ($34.0{\pm}0.6%$) and G2/M ($28.5{\pm}0.4%$). The proportion of cells at G1 in DAI group was significantly higher than that in control, while STA, ROSC and OLO treatments could not block the cell cycle of piPSCs. Both of viability and apoptosis were affected by STA and ROSC treatment, but there were no significantly differences between control and DAI groups. Real-Time qPCR and FACs results revealed that DAI treatment did not affect the expression of pluripotent gene, Oct4. In case of OLO, it did not affect both of viability and apoptosis, but Oct4 expression was significantly decreased. Our results suggest that DAI could be used for synchronizing piPSCs at G1 stage and has any deleterious effect on survival and pluripotency sustaining of piPSCs.