• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.18-22
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• 2012

Panax ginseng is a well-known herbal medicine in traditional Asian medicine. Although wild ginseng is widely accepted to be more active than cultivated ginseng in chemoprevention, little has actually been reported on the difference between wild ginseng and cultivated ginseng. Using suppressive subtraction hybridization, we cloned the p-psbB gene as a candidate target gene for a wild ginseng-specific gene. Here, we report that one of the clones isolated in this screen was the chloroplast p-psbB gene, a chlorophyll a-binding inner antenna protein in the photosystem II complex, located in the lipid matrix of the thylakoid membrane. Real-time results showed that the expression of the p-psbB gene was significantly up-regulated in wild ginseng as compared to cultivated ginseng. Thus, the p-psbB gene may be one of the important markers of wild ginseng.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.22 no.1 s.35
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• pp.1-11
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• 2006

The gonadosomatic index (GSI), oogenesis and reproductive cycle in female Neptunea (Barbitonia) afhritica cumingii were investigated by light and electron microscope observations. In the early vitellogenic oocyte, the Golgi complex and mitochondria were involved in the formation of glycogen, lipid droplets and yolk granules. Late in the vitellogenic oocytes, the rough endoplasmic reticulum and multivesicular bodies were involved in the formation of proteid yolk granules in cytoplasm. In particular, compared with the results of other gastropods, it showed a different result that appearances of cortical granules at the cortical layer and microvilli on the vitelline envelope, which is associated with heterosynthetic vitellogenesis, were not observed in vitellogenic oocytes during oogenesis. A mature yolk granule was composed of three components: main body (central core), superficial layer, and the limiting membrane. Monthly changes in the gonadosomatic index in females studied in 2004 and 2005 were closely associated with ovarian developmental phases. Spawning occurred between May and August in 2004 and 2005 and the main spawning occurred between June and July when the seawater temperature rose to approximately $18-23^{\circ}C$. The female reproductive cycle can be classified into five successive stages: early active stage (September to October), late active stage (November to February), ripe stage (February to June), partially spawned stage (May to August), and recovery stage (June to August).

• ALGAE
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.73-90
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• 2021

Relative to the large number of photosynthetic dinoflagellate species, only a select few possess proteinaceous, carotenoid-rich eyespots which have been demonstrated in other algae to act in phototactic responses. The proteins comprising the different categories of dinoflagellate eyespots are positioned in or near the peridinin-containing photosynthetic plastid membranes which are composed primarily of two galactolipids, mono- and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG and DGDG). Within eyespot-containing dinoflagellates, this arrangement occurs mostly in those with secondary plastids, although some dinoflagellates with tertiary plastids of diatom origin are known to possess eyespots. We here provide an examination of the MGDG and DGDG composition of eyespot-containing dinoflagellates with secondary, peridinin-containing plastids and tertiary plastids of diatom origin to address the fundamental question of whether eyespots and their component proteins and carotenoids are associated with alterations in galactolipid composition when compared to eyespot-lacking photosynthetic dinoflagellates. This is an important question because the dinoflagellate eyespot-plastid membrane system can be considered a more complicated and evolved state of plastid development. Included in this examination are data on the previously unexamined peridinin- and type A eyespot-containing dinoflagellate Margalefidinium polykrikoides, and the type D eyespot-containing, aberrant plastid "dinotom" Durinskia baltica. In addition, we have reviewed the galactolipid composition of algae from the Chlorophyceae, Cryptophyceae, and Euglenophyceae as a comparison to determine if algal classes apart from the Dinophyceae contain altered galactolipids in association with eyespots. We conclude that the presence of an eyespot in dinoflagellates and other algae is not associated with noticeable changes in galactolipid composition.

• Biodesign
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.136-140
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• 2017

Lam6 is a member of sterol-specific ${\underline{l}ipid$ transfer proteins ${\underline{a}}nchored$ at ${\underline{m}ebrane$ contact sites (LAMs). Lam6 localizes to the ER-mitochondria contact sites by its PH-like domain and the C-terminal transmembrane helix. Here, we purified and crystallized the Lam6 PH-like domain from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To aid crystallization of the Lam6 PH-like domain, T4 lysozyme was fused to the N-terminus of the Lam6 PH-like domain with a short dipeptide linker, GlySer. The fusion protein was crystallized under the condition of 0.1 M HEPES-HCl pH 7.0, 10% (w/v) PEG 8000, and 0.1 M $Na_3$ Citrate at 293K. X-ray diffraction data of the crystals were collected to $2.4{\AA}$ resolution using synchrotron radiation. The crystals belong to the orthorhombic space group $P2_12_12_1$ with unit cell parameters $a=59.5{\AA}$, $b=60.1{\AA}$, and $c=105.6{\AA}$. The asymmetric unit contains one T4L-Lam6 molecule with a solvent content of 58.7%. The initial attempt to solve the structure by molecular replacement using the T4 lysozyme structure was successful.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.82 no.2
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• pp.94-101
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• 2019

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous organisms that are generally found not only in the natural environment but also in the human engineered environment, including water, soil, and dust. These organisms can form biofilms and can be readily aerosolized because they are hydrophobic owing to the presence of the lipid-rich outer membrane. Aerosolization and subsequent inhalation were the major route of NTM lung disease. Water distribution systems and household plumbing are ideal habit for NTM and the main transmission route from natural water to household. NTM have been isolated from drinking water, faucets, pipelines, and water tanks. Studies that used genotyping have shown that NTM isolates from patients are identical to those in the environment, that is, from shower water, showerheads, tap water, and gardening soil. Humans are likely to be exposed to NTM in their homes through simple and daily activities, such as drinking, showering, or gardening. In addition to environmental factors, host factors play an important role in the development of NTM lung disease. The incidence and prevalence of NTM lung disease are increasing worldwide, and this disease is rapidly becoming a major public health problem. NTM lung disease is associated with substantially impaired quality of life, increased morbidity and mortality, and high medical costs. A more comprehensive understanding of the infection source and epidemiology of NTM is essential for the development of new strategies that can prevent and control NTM infection.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.45 no.9
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• pp.603-609
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• 2022

Cells can communicate in a variety of ways, such as by contacting each other or by secreting certain factors. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been proposed to be mediators of cell communication. EVs are small vesicles with a lipid bilayer membrane that are secreted by cells and contain DNA, RNAs, lipids, and proteins. These EVs are secreted from various cell types and can migrate and be internalized by recipient cells that are the same or different than those that secrete them. EVs harboring various components are involved in regulating gene expression in recipient cells. These EVs may also play important roles in the senescence of cells and the accumulation of senescent cells in the body. Studies on the function of EVs in senescent cells and the mechanisms through which nonsenescent and senescent cells communicate through EVs are being actively conducted. Here, we summarize studies suggesting that EVs secreted from senescent cells can promote the senescence of other cells and that EVs secreted from nonsenescent cells can rejuvenate senescent cells. In addition, we discuss the functional components (proteins, RNAs, and other molecules) enclosed in EVs that enter recipient cells.

• Journal of Photoscience
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.439-441
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• 2002

Cyanobacteria are the dominant micro flora in rice-fields, contributing significantly to fertility as a natural biofertilizer. Recent studies show a continuous depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer, and the consequent increase in solar UV-B (280-315 nm) radiation reaching the Earth's surface. UV-B radiation causes reduction in growth, survival, protein content, heterocyst frequency and fixation of carbon and nitrogen in many cyanobacteria. UV -B induced bleaching of pigments, disassembly of phycobilisomal complexes, thymine dimer formation and alterations in membrane permeability have also been encounterd in a number of cyanobacteria. However, certain cyanobacteria produce photoprotective compounds such as water soluble colorless mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) and the lipid soluble yellow-brown colored sheath pigment, scytonemin, to counteract the damaging effects of UV-B. Cyanobacteria, such as Anabaena sp., Nostoc commune, Scytonema sp. and Lyngbya sp. were isolated from rice fields and other habitats in India and screened for the presence of photoprotective compounds. A circadian induction of the synthesis of MAAs by UV -B was noted in a number of cyanobacteria. Polychromatic action spectra for the induction of MAAs in Anabaena sp. and Nostoc commune also show the induction to be UV-B dependent peaking at 290 nm. Another photoprotective compound, scytonemin, with an absorption maximum at 386 nm (also absorbs at 300, 278, 252 and 212 nm), was detected in many cyanobacteria. In conclusion, a particular cyanobacterium having photoprotective compounds may be a potent candidate as biofertilizer for crop plants.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.297-304
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• 1984

The effect of dietary fish oil ( mackerel oil : MO, eel oil : EO) on energy utilization in rats was studied with measurements of various tissue lipoprotein lipase( LPL ) and live and heart mitochondrial respiration. Fatty acid composition of mitrochondrial inner membrane matrix was also investigated. Dietary fat level was 10%( w/w) and reference groups were fed soybean oil (SO), repeseed oil ( RO) and beef tallow( BT ). Activity of LPL was about 60% higher in post-heparin plasma and 2 to 3 times higher in adipose tissue of BT group than fish oil or vegetable oil group. But there was no significant difference between fish oil and vegetable oil groups. Inclusion of EO above 2% (w/w) in dietary fat with fille oil of BT, markedly reduced both post -heparin plasma and adipose tissue LPL. Effects of MO and EO were not different in adipose tissue LPL, but EO was more effective than MO, in reducing post -heparin plasma LPL when mixed fat with varying amount of fish oil was used. Hepatic mitochondria isolated from fish oil-fed group showed the lowest rate of respiration but had P/O ratio comparable to SO and BT groups. On the other hand, cardiac mitochondria of fish oil group showed no difference in all the mitochondrial respiration parameters observed RO group had lowest P/O ratio both in hepatic and cardiac mitochondria. Fatty acid compositions of mitochondrial lipid differ between SO, RO, BT and MO groups, notably in the content of $C_{22:1}$ fatty acid.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.41-48
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• 1986

Band 3, the predominent 95,000 dalton anion transport protein, is the major intrinsic glycoprotein of the human erythrocyte membrane. This anion carrier exists as a dimer and binds the cytoskeletons such as spectrin, ankyrin and actin. And the liposomes are vesicular structures which form spontaneouly upon hydration of phospholipids. These artificial lipid vesicles have been investigated as model of the biological membranes and as a mean of improving the delivery of nucleic acids, drugs, proteins and biological substances to specific target tissues and cells. In this study, we were purified Band 3 from the human erythrocyte membrane(ghost) was prepared by hemolysis of intact human erythrocyte with weak alkali-hypotonic solution. Band 6 was removed from ghost by extracting with solution of an ionic strength of 0.15. Band 3 and Band 4 were solubilized selectively by extracting Band 6-depleted ghosts with Triton X-100 under nondenaturing conditions. Band 3 was then purified from Triton X-100 extract treated with p-chloromercuribenzoate by sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation. This purified Band 3 was incorporated into liposomes prepared by reverse-phase evaporation. Phosphatidyl L-serine and cholesterol(1 : 1 molar ratio) were dissolved in chloroform and then chloroform was removed by rotatory evaporation under reduced pressure. Band 3 solution without Triton X-100 was introduced into a mixture of lipids and diethylether. Diethylether was subsequently removed by evaporation. This purified Band 3 and its incorporation into liposomes were confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.105-113
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• 2010

This study introduces a flexible approach to enhance skin permeation by using ethosomes with deformable lipid membranes as well as controllable sizes. To demonstrate this, a set of ethosomes encapsulating an anti-hair loss ingredient, Triaminodil$^{TM}$, as a model drug, were fabricated with varying their size, which was achieved by solely applying the different level of mechanical energy, while maintaining their chemical composition. After characterization of the ethosomes with dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and deformability measurements, it was found that their membrane deformability depended on the particle size. Moreover, studies on in vitro skin permeation and murine anagen induction allowed us to figure out that the membrane deformability of ethosomes essentially affects delivery efficiency of Triaminodil$^{TM}$ through the skin. It was noticeable in our study that there existed an optimum particle size that can not only maximize the delivery of the drug through the skin, but also increase its actual dermatological activity. These findings offer a useful basis for understanding how ethosomes should be designed to improve delivery efficiency of encapsulated drugs therein in the aspects of changing their length scales and membrane properties.