• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제14권5호
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• pp.331-336
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• 2010

In rapidly growing tumors, hypoxia commonly develops due to the imbalance between $O_2$ consumption and supply. Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF)-$1{\alpha}$ is a transcription factor responsible for tumor growth and angiogenesis in the hypoxic microenvironment; thus, its inhibition is regarded as a promising strategy for cancer therapy. Given that CamKII or PARP inhibitors are emerging anticancer agents, we investigated if they have the potential to be developed as new HIF-$1{\alpha}$-targeting drugs. When treating various cancer cells with the inhibitors, we found that a CamKII inhibitor, KN-62, effectively suppressed HIF-$1{\alpha}$ specifically in hepatoma cells. To examine the effect of KN-62 on HIF-$1{\alpha}$-driven gene expression, we analyzed the EPO-enhancer reporter activity and mRNA levels of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ downstream genes, such as EPO, LOX and CA9. Both the reporter activity and the mRNA expression were repressed by KN-62. We also found that KN-62 suppressed HIF-$1{\alpha}$ by impairing synthesis of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ protein. Based on these results, we propose that KN-62 is a candidate as a HIF-$1{\alpha}$-targeting anticancer agent.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제6권2호
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• pp.109-112
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• 2002

The signal pathways involved in the regulation of AP-1 DNA binding activity in long-term nicotine stimulated bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin (BAMC) cells have not been well characterized. To understand the involvement of second messengers in the regulation of AP-1 DNA binding activity, the present study was designed to define the time-course for inhibition of nicotine-induced responses by cholinergic antagonists, $Ca^{2+}$ and calmodulin (CaM) antagonists, and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) II inhibitor using electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Nicotine $(10{\mu}M)$ stimulation increased AP-1 DNA binding activity at 24 hr after treatment. Posttreatment with hexamethonium (1 mM) plus atropine $(1{\mu}M)$ (HA), nimodipine $(1{\mu}M),$ or calmidazolium $(1{\mu}M)$ at 0.5, 3, and 6 hr after the nicotine treatment significantly inhibited the AP-1 DNA binding activity increased by long-term nicotine stimulation. However, posttreatment with HA, nimodipine, or calmidazolium at 9 or 12 hr after the nicotine treatment did not affect the nicotine-induced increase of AP-1 DNA binding activity. The pretreatment of BAMC cells with various concentrations of KN-62 inhibited the increase of AP-1 DNA binding activity induced by nicotine in a concentration-dependent manner. KN-62 $(10{\mu}M)$ posttreatment beginning at 0.5, 3, or 6 hr after the nicotine treatment significantly inhibited the increase of AP-1 DNA binding activity. However, KN-62 posttreatment beginning at 9 or 12 hr after the nicotine treatment did not affect the increase of AP-1 DNA binding activity. This study suggested that stimulation (for at least 6 hr) of nicotinic receptors on BAMC cells was necessary for increase of AP-1 DNA binding activity, and activation of $Ca^{2+},$ CaM, and CaMK II up to 6 hr at least seemed to be required for the increase of nicotine-induced AP-1 DNA binding activity.

• 대한약리학회지
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• 제30권1호
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• pp.111-116
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• 1994

수용체작동약물과 GTP에 의한 수축단백질의 칼슘이온의 감수성의 증가에 대하여 $Ca^{2+}$/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II의 역할을 ${\alpha}$-독으로 처리한 토끼장간막동맥에서 조사하였다. $0.3\;{\mu}M$의 칼슘이온은 마이오신의 인산화를 시간의존적으로 증가시켰고 5분 이후부터 평형에 도달하였다. 한편, $10\;{\mu}M$의 norepinephine과 $10\;{\mu}M$의 GTP는 칼슘이온 존재하에 칼슘이온 단독에 의한 것 보다 더 마이오신의 인산화를 증가시켰는데, 5분 후에 최대에 달하였고 그 후는 감소하기 시작하여 20분 후에는 칼슘이온 단독에 의한 마이오신 인산화 증가와 거의 차이가 없었다. $Ca^{2+}$/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II 억제제인 KN-62를 전처치하여 norepinephrine과 GTP에 의한 마이오신 인산화 증가의 변화를 경시적으로 관찰하였다. $10\;{\mu}M$ KN-62는 1분에서 norepinephrine과 $10\;{\mu}M$ GTP에 의한 마이오신의 인산화의 증가를 억제하였다. 그러나 5분에서 관찰되는 norepinephrine과 GTP에 의한 마이오신 인산화의 증가의 최대치에는 영향이 없었고 그 이후에도 KN-62는 아무 영향을 끼치지 못하였다. 이상과 같은 결과로 볼때 norepinephrine과 GTP에 의하여 일어나는 평활근 수축단백의 칼슘이온의 감수성의 증가는 이미 알려진 바와 같이 마이오신 인산화의 증가에 기인하며 이 증가는 일과성임을 확인하였다. 이때 $Ca^{2+}$/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II의 역할은 시간의존적으로 norepinephrine과 GTP의 자극 초기에 관여되는 것으로 생각되며 그 이후에는 관여가 없는 것으로 사료된다.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제6권4호
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• pp.187-191
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• 2002

Tamoxifen, an antiestrogen, has previously been shown to induce apoptosis in HepG2 human hepatoblastoma cells through activation of the pathways independent of estrogen receptors, i.e., intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ increase and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the mechanism of tamoxifen to link increased intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ to ROS generation is currently unknown. Thus, in this study we investigated the possible involvement of calmodulin, a $Ca^{2+}$ activated protein, and $Ca^{2+}$/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in the above tamoxifen-induced events. Treatment with calmodulin antagonists (calmidazolium and trifluoroperazine) or specific inhibitors of $Ca^{2+}$/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (KN-93 and KN-62) inhibited the tamoxifen-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, these agents blocked the tamoxifen-induced ROS generation in a concentration-dependent fashion, which was completely suppressed by intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ chelation. These results demonstrate for the first time that, despite of its well-known direct calmodulin-inhibitory activity, tamoxifen may generate ROS and induce apoptosis through indirect activation of calmodulin and $Ca^{2+}$/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in HepG2 cells.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.198-202
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• 2006

The $P2X_7$ receptor, an ATP-gated cation channel, induces cell death in immune cells and is involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Although the receptor plays various roles in these diseases, the cellular mechanisms involved are poorly understood and antagonists are limited. Here, the development of a cell-based assay for human $P2X_7$ receptor is reported. We established permanent lines of HEK 293 cells expressing a high level of $hP2X_7$ receptor. Functional activity of the $hP2X_7$ receptor was confirmed by whole-cell patch recording of ATP-induced ion currents. Prolonged exposure to ATP resulted in death of the $hP2X_7$-expressing HEK 293 cells and this cell death could be quantified. Two known $P2X_7$ antagonists, PPADS and KN-62, blocked ATP-induced death in a concentration-dependent manner. Thus, this assay can be used to screen for new antagonists of $hP2X_7$ receptors.

• 대한약학회:학술대회논문집
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• 대한약학회 2002년도 Proceedings of the Convention of the Pharmaceutical Society of Korea Vol.2
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• pp.297.2-297.2
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• 2002

Previous report showed that histamine release by HCI was mediated via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in RBL 2H3 cells. To investigate action of protein kinase on histamine release and ROS generation. we observed effects of protein kinase inhibitors on histamine release and ROS generation in RBL 2H3 cells stimulated by HCI HCI dose-dependently increased both histamine release and ROS generation. HCI-induced histamine release was significantly inhibited by bisindolmaleimide (10 ${\mu}$M). DHC (10 ${\mu}$M). , and wortmannin (10 ${\mu}$M), but not by PD098059 (10 ${\mu}$M). ON the other hand. HCI-induced ROS generation was significantly inhibited by DHC (10 ${\mu}$M). but not by bisindolmaleimide(10 ${\mu}$M). wortmannin (10 ${\mu}$M). and PD098059 (10 ${\mu}$M). However KN-62 did not inhibited both. These results showed that involvement of protein kinase in regulation of histamine release and ROS generation may be different and only tyrosine kinase may be associated with regulation of both histamine release and ROS generation in RBL 2H3 cells.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• 제45권1호
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• pp.55-62
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• 2018

In the present study in vitro mutagenesis was used to study the effect of gamma irradiation and EMS on callus induction, morphogenesis and production of multiple shoots from different explants of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. Gamma radiations (5 kR to 20 kR) and certain chemicals have been effected on plant growth developments and changes of biochemical metabolisms in plants. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing with auxins such as NAA, IAA, 2,4-D (0.5 ~ 2.0 mg/l), cytokinines BAP, kn TDZ, (0.5 ~ 2.5 mg/l), L-Glutamic acid (1 ~ 2 mg/l) and Coconut milk (10 ~ 20%). After 5 weeks on induction media, explants and callus (EC) were exposed to 5 kR, 10 kR, 15 kR and 20kR, of gamma radiation and treated with 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mM ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) for 30 min. The highest percentage of callusing was observed (70%) stem irradiated with 5 kR and significantly decrease in fresh and dry weight of callus in the below 4 kR doses and above 20 kR doses, there was a progressive decrease in the fresh weight and dry weights when compared to control callus. Maximum percentage of plantlet regeneration (59%) was induced from callus exposed to 15 kR gamma irradiation on MS media fortified with 2.0 mg/l 2,4-D + 2.0 mg/l BAP + 2.0 mg/l L-glutamic acid. Increase in gamma irradiation dose above 15 kR and 5 mM EMS reduced regeneration capacity of callus. Doses higher than 20 kR and 7 mM EMS was lethal to micropropagated plants of Citurullus colocynthis.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제3권3호
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• pp.357-364
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• 1999

We investigated the role of $Ca^{2+}$ and protein kinases/phosphatases in the stimulatory effect of insulin on glucose transport. In isolated rat adipocytes, the simple omission of $CaCl_2$ from the incubation medium significantly reduced, but did not abolish, insulin-stimulated 2-deoxy glucose (2-DG) uptake. Pre-loading adipocytes with intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ chelator, 5,5'-dimethyl bis (o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N'N' tetraacetic acetoxymethyl ester (5,5'-dimethyl BAPTA/AM) completely blocked the stimulation. Insulin raised intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration $([Ca^{2+}]_i)$ about 1.7 times the basal level of $72{\pm}5$ nM, and 5,5'-dimethyl BAPTA/AM kept it constant at the basal level. This correlation between insulin-induced increases in 2-DG uptake and $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ indicates that the elevation of $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ may be prerequisite for the stimulation of glucose transport. Studies with inhibitors (ML-9, KN-62, cyclosporin A) of $Ca^{2+}-calmodulin$ dependent protein kinases/phosphatases also indicate an involvement of intracellular $Ca^{2+}.$ Additional studies with okadaic acid and calyculin A, protein phosphatase-1 (PP-1) and 2A (PP-2A) inhibitors, indicate an involvement of PP-1 in insulin action on 2-DG uptake. These results indicate an involvement of $Ca^{2+}-dependent$ signaling pathway in insulin action on glucose transport.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.545-555
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• 2014

It has been previously demonstrated that laccases exhibit great potential for use in several industrial and environmental applications. In this paper, two laccase isoenzyme genes, lccB and lccC, were cloned and expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115. The sequence analysis indicated that the lccB and lccC genes consisted of 1,563 and 1,584 bp, and their open reading frames encoded 520 and 527 amino acids, respectively. They had 72.7% degree of identity in nucleotides and 86.7% in amino acids. The expression levels of LccB and LccC were up to 32,479 and 34,231 U/l, respectively. The recombinant laccases were purified by ultrafiltration and $(NH_4)_2SO_4$ precipitation, showing a single band on SDS-PAGE, which had a molecular mass of 58 kDa. The optimal pH and temperature for LccB were 2.0 and $55^{\circ}C$ with 2,2'-azinobis-[ 3-ethylbenzthiazolinesulfonic acid (ABTS) as a substrate, whereas LccC exhibited optimal pH and temperature at 3.0 and $60^{\circ}C$. The apparent kinetic parameters of LccB were 0.43 mM for ABTS with a $V_{max}$ value of 51.28 U/mg, and the Km and $V_{max}$ values for LccC were 0.29 mM and 62.89 U/mg. The recombinant laccases were able to decolorize five types of dyes. Acid Violet 43 (100 g/ml) was completely decolorized by LccB or LccC (2 U/ml), and the decolorization of Reactive Blue KN-R (100 g/ml) was 91.6% by LccC (2 U/ml). Thus, the study characterizes useful laccase isoenzymes from T. versicolor that have the capability of being incorporated into the treatment of similar azo and anthraquinone dyes from dyeing industries.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• 제29권8호
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• pp.657-665
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• 2006

We recently reported that dimethylsphingosine (DMS), a metabolite of sphingolipids, increased intracellular pH and $Ca^{2+}$ concentration in U937 human monocytes. In the present study, we found that dimethylphytosphingosine (DMPH) induced the above responses more robustly than DMS. However, phytosphingosine, monomethylphytosphingosine or trimethylsphingosine showed little or no activity. Synthetic C3 deoxy analogues of sphingosine did show similar activities, with the C16 analogue more so than C18. The following structure-activity relationships were observed between DMS derivatives and the intracellular pH and $Ca^{2+}$ concentrations in U937 monocytes; 1) dimethyl modification is important for the DMS-induced increase of intracellular pH and $Ca^{2+}$, 2) the addition of an OH group on C4 enhances both activities, 3) the deletion of the OH group on C3 has a negligible effect on the activities, and 4) C16 appears to be more effective than C18. We also found that W-7, a calmodulin inhibitor, blocked the DMS-induced pH increase, whereas, KN-62, ML9, and MMPX, specific inhibitors for calmodulin-dependent kinase II, myosin light chain kinase, and $Ca^{2+}$-calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterase, respectively, did not affect DMS-induced increases of pH in the U937 monocytes.