• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제51권12호
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• pp.1350-1354
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• 2008

척수성 근위축증은 상염색체 열성으로 유전되며 사지 및 몸통 근위부와 원위부의 광범위한 근력약화를 특징으로 한다. 5번 염색체 장완(5q11.2-13.3)에 위치한 survival motor neuron (SMN) 유전자의 결손이 그 원인이다. 척수성 근위축증은 순수하게 운동신경만 침범하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 분자유전학적 방법으로 유전자의 결손을 증명하므로써 진단할 수 있다. 저자들은 아주 이른 영아시기부터 심한 근긴장도 저하와 잦은 폐흡인을 보였고, 분자 유전학적 검사로 척수성 근위축증을 진단한 2명의 환아에서 신경전도 검사상 광범위한 감각신경을 침범한 경우를 경험하여 보고하는 바이다. 본 증례는 감각 신경을 침범한 척수성 근위축증에 대해 국내에서는 첫번째 보고로 생각한다.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제28권5호
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• pp.435-447
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• 2024

Secretory proteins, including plasma membrane proteins, are generally known to be transported to the plasma membrane through the endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi pathway. However, recent studies have revealed that several plasma membrane proteins and cytosolic proteins lacking a signal peptide are released via an unconventional protein secretion (UcPS) route, bypassing the Golgi during their journey to the cell surface. For instance, transmembrane proteins such as the misfolded cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein and the Spike protein of coronaviruses have been observed to reach the cell surface through a UcPS pathway under cell stress conditions. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms of the UcPS pathway, particularly the molecular machineries involving cytosolic motor proteins, remain largely unknown. In this study, we identified specific kinesins, namely KIF1A and KIF5A, along with cytoplasmic dynein, as critical players in the unconventional trafficking of CFTR and the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. Gene silencing results demonstrated that knockdown of KIF1A, KIF5A, and the KIF-associated adaptor protein SKIP, FYCO1 significantly reduced the UcPS of △F508-CFTR. Moreover, gene silencing of these motor proteins impeded the UcPS of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. However, the same gene silencing did not affect the conventional Golgi-mediated cell surface trafficking of wild-type CFTR and Spike protein. These findings suggest that specific motor proteins, distinct from those involved in conventional trafficking, are implicated in the stress-induced UcPS of transmembrane proteins.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• 제57권3호
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• pp.419-430
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• 2024

Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary condition considered by the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, resultant in motor dysfunction and cognitive impairment. Despite current treatment modalities including pharmaceuticals and various therapies, a definitive cure remains elusive. Therefore, this study investigates the therapeutic potential effect of Apelin-13 in HD management. Thirty male Wistar rats were allocated into three groups: a control group, a group with HD, and a group with both HD and administered Apelin-13. Apelin-13 was administered continuously over a 28-day period at a dosage of around 30 mg/kg to mitigate inflammation in rats subjected to 3-NP injection within an experimental HD model. Behavioral tests, such as rotarod, electromyography (EMG), elevated plus maze, and open field assessments, demonstrated that Apelin-13 improved motor function and coordination in rats injected with 3-NP. Apelin-13 treatment significantly increased neuronal density and decreased glial cell counts compared to the control group. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed reduced gliosis and expression of inflammatory factors in the treatment group. Moreover, Apelin-13 administration led to elevated levels of glutathione and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in the treated group. Apelin-13 demonstrates neuroprotective effects, leading to improved movement and reduced inflammatory and fibrotic factors in the HD model.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제45권3호
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• pp.134-147
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• 2022

The anti-oxidant enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is known to exert anti-inflammatory effects. From a library of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines, we identified a novel compound KKC080096 that upregulated HO-1 at the mRNA and protein levels in microglial BV-2 cells. KKC080096 exhibited anti-inflammatory effects via suppressing nitric oxide, interleukin1β (IL-1β), and iNOS production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged cells. It inhibited the phosphorylation of IKK and MAP kinases (p38, JNK, ERK), which trigger inflammatory signaling, and whose activities are inhibited by HO-1. Further, KKC080096 upregulated anti-inflammatory marker (Arg1, YM1, CD206, IL-10, transforming growth factor-β [TGF-β]) expression. In 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinetreated mice, KKC080096 lowered microglial activation, protected the nigral dopaminergic neurons, and nigral damage-associated motor deficits. Next, we elucidated the mechanisms by which KKC080096 upregulated HO-1. KKC080096 induced the phosphorylation of AMPK and its known upstream kinases LKB1 and CaMKKbeta, and pharmacological inhibition of AMPK activity reduced the effects of KKC080096 on HO-1 expression and LPS-induced NO generation, suggesting that KKC080096-induced HO-1 upregulation involves LKB1/AMPK and CaMKKbeta/AMPK pathway activation. Further, KKC080096 caused an increase in cellular Nrf2 level, bound to Keap1 (Nrf2 inhibitor protein) with high affinity, and blocked Keap1-Nrf2 interaction. This Nrf2 activation resulted in concurrent induction of HO-1 and other Nrf2-targeted antioxidant enzymes in BV-2 and in dopaminergic CATH.a cells. These results indicate that KKC080096 is a potential therapeutic for oxidative stress-and inflammation-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제25권1호
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• pp.1-6
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• 2008

Osteoarthritis (OA), one of the most common skeletal disorders characterized by cartilage degradation and osteophyte formation in joints, is induced by accumulated mechanical stress; however, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanism. Several experimental OA models in mice by producing instability in the knee joints have been developed to apply approaches from mouse genetics. Although proteinases like matrix metalloproteinases and aggrecanases have now been proven to be the principal initiators of OA progression, clinical trials of proteinase inhibitors have not been successful for the treatment, turning the interest of researchers to the upstream signals of proteinase induction. These signals include undegraded and fragmented matrix proteins like type II collagen or fibronection that affects chondrocytes through distinct receptors. Another signal is proinflammatory factors that are produced by chondrocytes and synovial cells; however, recent studies that used mouse OA models in knockout mice did not support that these factors have a role in the central contribution to OA development. Our mouse genetic approaches found that the induction of a transcriptional activator Runx2 in chondrocytes under mechanical stress contributes to the pathogenesis of OA through chondrocyte hypertrophy. In addition, chondrocyte apoptosis has recently been identified as being involved in OA progression. We hereby propose that these endochondral ossification signals may be important for the OA progression, suggesting that the related molecules can clinically be therapeutic targets of this disease.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.7.1-7.13
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• 2021

Levodopa (L-DOPA) therapy is normally practised to treat motor pattern associated with Parkinson disease (PD). Additionally, several inhibitory drugs such as Entacapone and Opicapone are also cosupplemented to protect peripheral inactivation of exogenous L-DOPA (~80%) that occurs due to metabolic activity of the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). Although, both Entacapone and Opicapone have U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval but regular use of these drugs is associated with high risk of side effects. Thus, authors have focused on in silico discovery of phytochemicals and evaluation of their effectiveness against human soluble COMT using virtual screening, molecular docking, drug-like property prediction, generation of pharmacophoric property, and molecular dynamics simulation. Overall, study proposed, nine phytochemicals (withaphysalin D, withaphysalin N, withaferin A, withacnistin, withaphysalin C, withaphysalin O, withanolide B, withasomnine, and withaphysalin F) of plant Withania somnifera have strong binding efficiency against human COMT in comparison to both of the drugs i.e., Opicapone and Entacapone, thus may be used as putative bioenhancer in L-DOPA therapy. The present study needs further experimental validation to be used as an adjuvant in PD treatment.

• 한국해양생명과학회지
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• 제3권1호
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• pp.1-8
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• 2018

Myosin is considered as the vital motor protein in vertebrates and invertebrates. Our present study was conducted to decipher the occurrence of myosin in dog fish (Squalus mitsukurii). We isolated one clone containing 979 bp cDNA sequence, which consisted of a complete coding sequence of 453 bp and a deduced amino acid sequence of 150 amino acids from the open reading frame with molecular weight, isoelectric point and aliphatic index are 16.72 Kda, 4.49 and 78.00, respectively. It contained 428 bp long 3' UTR with single potential polyadenylation signals (AATAAA). The predicted EF CA²⁺ binding domains were identified in residue 6-41, 83-118 and 133-150. A BLAST search indicates this protein exhibits a strong similarity to whale shark (Rhincodon typus) MLC3 (91% identical) and also house mouse (Mus musculus) MLC isoform 3f (81% identical). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that this protein is a MLC 3 isoform like protein. This protein also demonstrates highly conserved region with other myosin proteins. Homology modeling of S. mitsukuri was performed using crystal structure of Gallus gallus skeletal muscle myosin II based on high similarity. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative PCR results exhibits dogfish myosin protein is highly expressed in muscle tissue.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제27권6호
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• pp.673-679
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• 2017

미세소관을 따라 이동하는 모터단백질들은 세포내 물질수송에 필수적인 역할을 한다. Kinesin 1은 세포내에서 미세소관을 따라 움직이는 모터단백질로서 다양한 소포, mRNA, 그리고 단백질의 세포내 수송에 관여한다. Kinesin 1은 2개의 장쇄단위체(KHCs, 또는 KIF5s)와 2개의 경쇄단위체(KLCs)로 구성되어 있다. KIF5s는 N-말단에 모터도메인을 가지고 있고 C-말단의 운반체 결합도메인을 통해 다양한 운반체와 결합한다. 본 연구에서 KIF5B와 결합하는 단백질을 분리하기 위하여 효모 two-hybrid 탐색을 수행한 결과 미세소관의 plus end 결합단백질인 cytoplasmic linker protein 170 (CLIP-170)을 분리하였다. CLIP-170의 coiled-coil 도메인은 KIF5B의 운반체 결합도메인과 결합하였다. 또한 CLIP-170은 KIF5A와 KIF5C와도 결합하였다. 그리고 glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down을 통해 KIF5s와 CLIP-170이 단백질수준에서 결합함을 확인하였다. 생쥐 뇌파쇄액을 KIF5B 항체로 면역침강한 결과 CLIP-170이 같이 침강함을 확인하였다. 이러한 결과들은 kinesin 1이 세포내에서 CLIP-170을 운반함을 시사한다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제27권7호
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• pp.840-848
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• 2017

세포내 수송 기구는 세포의 작용과 생존에 필수적이다. 이러한 세포내 수송은 긴 미세소관을 따라서 운반체를 운반하는 미세소관 의존 분자 모터 단백질인 kinesin과 cytoplasmic dynein에 의하여 이루어진다. Kinesin은 ATP 의존적으로 미세소관의 plus-end방향으로 이동하는 모터 단백질로 세포내 소기관, 분비소포, RNA 복합체, 단백질 복합체들을 수송한다. Kinesins에 의한 다양한 운반체의 수송의 이상은 세포의 기능 이상과 연관된다. Kinesins에 의한 운반체 수송의 기본 단계는: 운반체 혹은 adaptor 단백질과의 결합, kinesin 기능 활성화와 미세소관을 따라서 이동, 그리고 올바른 위치에서 운반체와의 분리 단계로 나뉘어 진다. 최근의 연구결과들에서 kinesin 모터 기능 활성화, 운반체와의 결합, 운반체와의 해리 기전이 확인되고 있으며 세포내 운반체 수송은 kinesin과 운반체를 연결하는 adaptor 단백질에 의하여서도 조절된다. 단백질 인산화 효소, 탈 인산화 효소를 포함하는 kinesin 모터 활성 조절 단백질들은 kinesin의 인산화 혹은 탈 인산화를 통하여 직접적으로 세포내 수송을 조절하거나, c-Jun NH-terminal kinase-interacting proteins (JIPs)와 같은 adaptor 단백질들과 미세소관의 간접적 수식을 통하여 세포내 수송을 조절하기도 한다. 이러한 연구결과들은 세포의 기능과 형태 유지에 관여하는 kinesin에 의한 다양한 세포내 수송 조절 기전을 이해하는데 기초적인 토대가 된다. 또한 각각의 kinesin에 대한 조절 기전을 밝히는 것은 세포생물학과 신경생리학을 이해하는데 중요하므로 본 종설에서는 kinesin에 의한 세포내 수송을 조절하는 단백질과 kinesin과 수송체와의 결합이 어떻게 조절되는지를 고찰하고자 한다.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• 제11권3호
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• pp.165-175
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• 2017

In Japan, the primary carbonaceous particles emitted from motor vehicles and waste incinerators have been reduced due to strict regulations against exhaust gas. However, the relative contribution of carbonaceous particles derived from plants and biomass has been increasing. Accordingly, compositional analysis of carbonaceous particles has become increasingly important to determine the sources and types of particles produced. To reveal the sources of the organic particles contained in particulate matter with diameters of ${\leq}2.5{\mu}m$ ($PM_{2.5}$) and the processes involved in their generation, we analyzed molecular marker compounds (2-methyltetrols, cis-pinonic acid, and levoglucosan) derived from the plants and biomass in the $PM_{2.5}$ collected during daytime- and nighttime-sampling periods in summer (July and August) and autumn (November) in Kazo, which is in the northern area of Saitama prefecture, Japan. We also measured $^{14}C$ carbonaceous concentrations in the same $PM_{2.5}$ samples. The concentrations of 2-methyltetrols were higher in the summer than in the autumn. Because the deciduous period overlaps with this decrease in the levels of 2-methyltetrols, we considered the emission source to broad-leaved trees. In contrast, the emission source of the cis-pinonic acid precursor was considered to be conifers, because its concentration remained almost constant throughout the year. The concentration of levoglucosan was considerably increased in the autumn due to frequent biomass open burning. The ratio of plant-derived carbon to total carbon, obtained by measuring of $^{14}C$, in summer $PM_{2.5}$ sample was higher in the nighttime, and could be influenced by anthropogenic sources during the daytime.