• BMB Reports
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• v.48 no.8
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• pp.473-478
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• 2015

The NEK6 (NIMA-related kinases 6) is reported to play po-tential roles in tumorigenesis. Although it is suggested to function in several cellular pathways, the underlying mechanism in tumorigenesis is still largely unknown. In the present study, we discovered interaction of NEK6 with Smad4, a key member of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) pathway. Over-expression of NEK6 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines suppresses TGFβ-mediated transcription activity in a kinase activity-dependent manner. In addition, NEK6 suppresses the cell growth arrest induced by TGFβ. Mechanically, NEK6 blocks nuclear translocation of Smad4, which is essential for TGFβ function. Moreover, we identified that NEK6 could be regulated by TGFβ and hypoxia. Our study sheds new light on the roles of NEK6 in canonical TGFβ/Smad pathway and tum-origenesis. [BMB Reports 2015; 48(8): 473-478]

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.205-213
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• 2007

Nek6 belongs to NIMA1 (never in mitosis, gene A) related kinase, which was originally identified in Aspergillus nidulans as a serine/threonine kinase critical for cell cycle progression. We noticed that the putative SUMOylation site is localized on the $K^{252}$ residue in $^{251}FKsD^{254}$ of Nek6, based on the consensus sequence ${\Phi}KxE$; where ${\Phi}$ represents L, I, V or F and x is any amino acid. We observed that the Nek6 SUMO mutant (K252R) has decreased protein kinase activity, nuclear speckle localization and protein stability, compared with that of the Nek6 wild type. However, the Nek6 SUMO mutant increased the cell survival rate of COS-1 cells as determined by FACS analysis. Therefore, our data suggest that SUMOylation on the $K^{252}$ residue of Nek6 is required for its normal functions, such as proper nuclear localization, kinase activity and protein stability, to control cell cycle.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.181-181
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• 2002

Nek2 is a mammalian protein kinase that is structurally homologous to NIMA, a mitotic regulator in Aspergillus nidulans. We recently observed that the Nek2 protein was localized in multiple sites within a cell in a cell cycle state-specific manner. This suggests that Ndk2 is involved in diverse cellular functions during the cell cycle progression. To have a better understanding on cellular functions in which Nek2 participates, we carried out yeast two-hybrid screening and isolated six candidate clones whose products interact with Nek2. Most of Nek2-interacting proteins (NIPs) appear cytoplasmic, suggesting that Nek2 is involved in cellular functions in cytoplasm. Further experiments are under progress to confirm their interactions with Nek2 and to understand their biological significance.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.8
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• pp.1023-1030
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• 2008

NtMEK2, which is the tobacco MAPK kinase that is upstream of SIPK and WIPK, was identified using the dexamethasone (DEX)-inducible gain-of-function transgenic system. Expression of $NtNEK2^{DD}$, a constitutively active mutant of NtNEK2, leads to HR-like cell death, which indicates that the NtMEK2-SIPK/WIPK cascade controls defense responses in tobacco. However, little is known about the downstream target substrates or defense-related genes that are regulated by the NtMEK2-SIPK/ WIPK cascade. In this study, ACP-based differential display RT-PCR was used to isolate the downstream effectors mediated by the NtMEK2-SIPK/WIPK cascade in $NtNEK2^{DD}$ transgenic plants. The results identified 6 novel differentially expressed genes (DEGs). These included pathogen induced protein 2-4 (pI2-4), monoterpene synthase 2 (MTS2), seven in absentia protein (SINA), cell death marker protein 1 (CDM1), hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein (HRGP) and unknown genes (DEG45). The induction of these genes was confirmed by RT-PCR of samples obtained from $NtNEK2^{DD}$ plants. Additionally, when compared with other isolated DEGs, the pI2-4, CDM1 and HRGP genes were significantly up-regulated in response to treatment with salicylic acid and tobacco mosaic virus. Taken together, these results suggest that three novel DEGs were regulated by the NtMEK2-SIPK/WIPK cascade involved in disease resistance in tobacco.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.42-49
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• 1991

Sixteen North Korea anthomyiid files are identified here. Among them, one species is new to science, and six species and one genus are new to Korean fauna.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.7-13
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• 2007

Hearing loss in newborns is the most frequently occurring birth defect. If hearing impaired children are not identified and managed early, it is difficult for many of them to acquire the fundamental language, social and cognitive skills that provide the foundation for later schooling and success in society. All newborns, both high and low risk, should be screened for hearing loss in the birth hospital prior discharge (Universal Newborn Heaing Screening, UNHS). Objective physiologic measures must be used to detect newborns and very young infants with hearing loss. Recent technological developments have produced screening methods and both evoked otoacoustic emission (EOAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) have been successfully implemented for UNHS. Audiologic evaluation should be carried out before 3 months of age and infants with confirmed hearing loss should receive intervention before 6 months of age. All infants who pass newborn hearing screening but who have risk indicators for other auditory disorders and/or speech and language delay receive ongoing audiologic surveillance and monitoring for communication development. Infants with sensorineural hearing loss are managed with hearing aids and receive auditory and speech-language rehabilitation therapies. Cochlear implants can be an outstanding option for certain children aged 12 months and older with severe to profound hearing loss who show limited benefit from conventional amplifications.

• Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.58-66
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• 2005

Floating debris was observed using a training ship, KAYA, of Pukyong National University with cruising speed of about 10-12 knot during July 12~25, 2003. The area sampled was the East Sea enclosed by 3 nations, namely, Korea, Japan and Russia, and was divided into 68 unit segments on survey routes [Fig. 1]. Debris fabrication materials were categorized with 6 items, e.g., man-made or natural wood items, paper and cardboard, nylon rope, styrofoam, vinyl and plastic, floating metal and glass containers. All identified items within $100{\pm}10 m$ wide band were recorded but ignored if beyond this boundary. The results of this study are as follows: 1. The average numbers of debris per unit area, $1km^2$, were found as 16.3 pieces (items) in the sea. 2. The highest densities of numbers, $32.3pieces/km^2$, were discovered in vicinity of the Oki strait of Japan, area of 'NEK' in Fig. 1. 3. Especially, styrofoam item only was composed to 63.6% of all in the sea of 'SD', located in the southern part of Dokdo Island, Korea. The item seems to be derive from the Southern Sea of Korea. 4. Therefore, comparing the distribution of debris numbers (the results of above 2 and 3) with flow patterns of Kuroshio currents, it was shown that their relation was good agree each other. Further more surveys are being conducted and a much wider coverage can be achieved with other countries, then it can be obtained that the East Sea is polluted to some extent, where is the origin of debris, and the finding of floating routes and stationary sea.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.142-148
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• 2013

SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) elements are present in hominoid primates and are divided into 6 subfamilies (SVA-A to SVA-F) and active in the human population. Using a bioinformatic tool, 22 SVA element-associated genes are identified in the human genome. In an analysis of genomic structure, SVA elements are detected in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of HGSNAT (SVA-B), MRGPRX3 (SVA-D), HYAL1 (SVA-F), TCHH (SVA-F), and ATXN2L (SVA-F) genes, while some elements are observed in the 3′UTR of SPICE1 (SVA-B), TDRKH (SVA-C), GOSR1 (SVA-D), BBS5 (SVA-D), NEK5 (SVA-D), ABHD2 (SVA-F), C1QTNF7 (SVA-F), ORC6L (SVA-F), TMEM69 (SVA-F), and CCDC137 (SVA-F) genes. They could contribute to exon extension or supplying poly A signals. LEPR (SVA-C), ALOX5 (SVA-D), PDS5B (SVA-D), and ABCA10 (SVA-F) genes also showed alternative transcripts by SVA exonization events. Dominant expression of HYAL1_SVA appeared in lung tissues, while HYAL1_noSVA showed ubiquitous expression in various human tissues. Expression of both transcripts (TDRKH_SVA and TDRKH_noSVA) of the TDRKH gene appeared to be ubiquitous. Taken together, these data suggest that SVA elements cause transcript isoforms that contribute to modulation of gene regulation in various human tissues.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.200-206
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• 2024

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique has been used for the elemental composition of the soils. In this technique, a high energy laser pulse is focused on a sample to produce plasma. From the spectroscopic analysis of such plasma plume, we have determined the different elements present in the soil. This technique is effective and rapid for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of all type of samples. In this work a Q-switched Nd: YAG laser operating with its fundamental mode (1064 nm laser wavelength), 5 nanosecond pulse width, and 10 Hz repetition rate was focused on soil samples using 10 cm quartz lens. The emission spectra of soil consist of Iron (Fe), Calcium (Ca), Titanium (Ti), Silicon (Si), Aluminum (Al), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Potassium (K), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Mercury (Hg), Barium (Ba), Vanadium (V), Lead (Pb), Nitrogen (N), Scandium (Sc), Hydrogen (H), Strontium (Sr), and Lithium (Li) with different finger-prints of the transition lines. The maximum intensity of the transition lines was observed close to the surface of the sample and it was decreased along the axial direction of the plasma expansion due to the thermalization and the recombination process. We have also determined the plasma parameters such as electron temperature and the electron number density of the plasma using Boltzmann's plot method as well as the Stark broadening of the transition lines respectively. The electron temperature is estimated at 14611 °K, whereas the electron number density i.e. 4.1 × 10¹⁶ cm^-3 lies close to the surface.