• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• 제27권5호
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• pp.562-569
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• 2004

Self-assembling nanospheres of hydrophobized pullulan have been developed. Pullulan acetate (PA), as hydrophobized pullulan, was synthesized by acetylation. Carboxymethylated poly(ethylene-glycol) (CMPEG) was introduced into pullulan acetate (PA) through a coupling reaction using N, N'-dicyclohexyl carbodiimide (DCC). A synthesized PA-PEG-PA (abbreviated as PEP) conjugate was confirmed by Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Since PEP conjugates have amphiphilic characteristics in aqueous solution, polymeric nanoparticles of PEP conjugates were prepared using a simple dialysis method in water. From the analysis of fluorescence excitation spectra primarily, the critical association concentration (CAC) of this conjugate was found to be 0.0063 g/L. Observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the spherical morphologies of the PEP nanoparticles. The particle size distribution of the PEP conjugates was determined using photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) and the intensity-average particle size was 193.3 ${\pm}$ 13.53 nm with a unimodal distribution. Clonazepam (CNZ), as a model drug, was easy to entrap into polymeric nanoparticles of the PEP conjugates. The drug release behavior was mainly diffusion controlled from the core portion.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.417-421
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• 2009

The analysis of the full length genome of Korean isolates of Pepper mottle virus (PepMoV) in previous study showed molecular variations and are found to be related to symptom variation and pathogenicity (Kim et al., 2009, Virus Res. 144:83-88). To fully understand the molecular variation of PepMoV in Korea, we further assessed the role of RNA recombination to biological variation and evolution of PepMoV. Full-length genome of a total of 17 Korean-PepMoV and 2 American (CA and FL) isolates were examined for possible detection of genetic recombination using different recombination detections programs and detected 5 and 8 tentative recombination events using RDP3 and Splits Tree4 programs, respectively. Interestingly, tentative recombinants detected such as isolates 57, 134 and 217 were previously identified as severe isolates and 205135 and 205136 as differentiating isolates (Kim et al., 2009, Virus Res. 144:83-88). In addition, recombination was frequently detected in the Vb isolate, the first PepMoV isolate reported in Korea, suggesting significant involvement in the evolution of PepMoV in Korea. These initial results of our recombination analyses among PepMoV isolates in Korea may serve as clues to further investigate the biological variations and evolution of PepMoV brought about by recombination.

• BMB Reports
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• 제48권7호
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• pp.407-412
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• 2015

The 12 kDa FK506-binding protein (FK506BP12), an immunosuppressor, modulates T cell activation via calcineurin inhibition. In this study, we investigated the ability of PEP-1-FK506BP12, consisting of FK506BP12 fused to the protein transduction domain PEP-1 peptide, to suppress catabolic responses in primary human chondrocytes and in a mouse carrageenan-induced paw arthritis model. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis showed that PEP-1-FK506BP12 efficiently penetrated chondrocytes and cartilage explants. In interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-treated chondrocytes, PEP-1-FK506BP12 significantly suppressed the expression of catabolic enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-1, -3, and -13 in addition to cyclooxygenase-2, at both the mRNA and protein levels, whereas FK506BP12 alone did not. In addition, PEP-1-FK506BP12 decreased IL-1β-induced phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) complex (p38, JNK, and ERK) and the inhibitor kappa B alpha. In the mouse model of carrageenan-induced paw arthritis, PEP-1-FK506BP12 suppressed both carrageenan-induced MMP-13 production and paw inflammation. PEP-1-FK506BP12 may have therapeutic potential in the alleviation of OA progression. [BMB Reports 2015; 48(7): 407-412]

• BMB Reports
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• 제46권2호
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• pp.124-129
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• 2013

FK506 binding protein 12 (FK506BP) belongs to a family of immunophilins, and is involved in multiple biological processes. However, the function of FK506BP in corneal disease remains unclear. In this study, we examined the protective effects on dry eye disease in a Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) induced mouse model, using a cell-permeable PEP-1-FK506BP protein. PEP-1-FK506BP efficiently transduced into human corneal epithelial cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and remained stable in the cells for 48 h. In addition, we demonstrated that topical application of PEP-1-FK506BP was transduced into mouse cornea and conjunctiva by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, topical application of PEP-1-FK506BP to BTX-A-induced mouse model markedly inhibited expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (IL-$1{\beta}$), tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) and macrophage inhibitory factor (MIF) in corneal and conjunctival epithelium. These results suggest PEP-1-FK506BP as a potential therapeutic agent for dry eye diseases.

• BMB Reports
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• 제44권10호
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• pp.647-652
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• 2011

The protein transduction domains have been reported to have potential to deliver the exogenous molecules, including proteins, to living cells. However, poor transduction of proteins limits therapeutic application. In this study, we examined whether imipramine could stimulate the transduction efficiency of PEP-1 fused proteins into astrocytes. PEP-1-catalase (PEP-1-CAT) was transduced into astrocytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner, reducing cellular toxicity induced by $H_2O_2$. Additionally, the group of PEP-1-CAT + imipramine showed enhancement of transduction efficiency and therefore increased cellular viability than that of PEP-1-CAT alone. In the gerbil ischemia models, PEP-1-CAT displayed significant neuroprotection in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Interestingly, PEP-1-CAT + imipramine prevented neuronal cell death and lipid peroxidation more markedly than PEP-1-CAT alone. Therefore, our results suggest that imipramine can be used as a drug to enhance the transduction of PEP-1 fusion proteins to cells or animals and their efficacies against various disorders.

• BMB Reports
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• 제39권5호
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• pp.642-647
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• 2006

Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) has been used therapeutically to treat muscular hypercontractions and sudomotor hyperactivity and it has been reported that BoNT/A might have analgesic properties in headache. PEP-1 peptide is a known carrier peptide that delivers fulll-ength native proteins in vitro and in vivo. In this study, a BoNT/A gene were fused with PEP-1 peptide in a bacterial expression vector to produce a genetic in-frame PEP-1-BoNT/A fusion protein. The expressed and purified PEP-1-BoNT/A fusion proteins were efficiently transduced into cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner when added exogenously in a culture medium. In addition, immuno-histochemical analysis revealed that PEP-1-BoNT/A fusion protein efficiently penetrated into the epidermis as well as the dermis of the subcutaneous layer, when sprayed on mice skin. These results suggest that PEP-1-BoNT/A fusion protein provide an efficient strategy for therapeutic delivery in various human diseases related to this protein.

• BMB Reports
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.239-246
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• 1999

A tripeptidase (PepT) was purified to homogeneity from Bacillus subtilis through four sequential chromatographies including DEAE-Sepharose ion exchange, hydroxylapatite, mono-Q FPLC ion exchange, and Superose-12 FPLC gel filtration. The apparent molecular mass of the enzyme was 49,200 Da and 51,400 Da as determined by sodium dodecylsulfatepolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and gel filtration chromatography, respectively, and the enzyme exists in a monomeric form. The physicochemical properties of the enzyme were as follows: optimum pH at 7.5, optimum temperature at $60^{\circ}C$, and pI at 4.9. The $K_m$ and $V_{max}$ values of the enzyme were 4.3 mM and 2.5 mmol/min/mg, respectively, with MetAla-Ser as substrate. The B. subtilis PepT requires $Co^{2+}$ ion(s) for activation, while it is inactivated by EOTA and 1,10-phenanthroline, suggesting that it is a metalloprotein. The enzyme was not inhibited by any of serine protease, aspartic protease, or leucine aminopeptidase inhibitors. The enzyme showed comparable activities towards four different substrates including Met-Ala-Ser, Leu-Gly-Gly, Leu-Ser-Phe, and Leu-Leu-Tyr. The amino terminal sequence of PepT determined by Edman degradation was found to be MKEEIIERFTTYVXV and turned out to be identical to that of PepT deduced from a cloned B. subtilis pepT.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• 제47권3호
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• pp.174-181
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• 2017

Purpose: Epitope spreading is a phenomenon in which distinct subdominant epitopes become major targets of the immune response. Heat shock protein (HSP) 60 from Porphyromonas gingivalis (PgHSP60) and peptide 19 from PgHSP60 (Pep19) are immunodominant epitopes in autoimmune disease patients, including those with periodontitis. It remains unclear whether Pep19 is a dominant epitope in subjects without periodontitis or autoimmune disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the epitope spreading pattern and verify Pep19 as an immunodominant epitope in healthy teenagers using dot immunoblot analysis. The patterns of epitope spreading in age-matched patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (type 1 DM) and healthy 20- to 29-year old subjects were compared with those of healthy teenagers. Methods: Peptide from PgHSP60, Mycobacterium tuberculosis HSP60 (MtHSP60), and Chlamydia pneumoniae HSP60 (CpHSP60) was synthesized for comparative recognition by sera from healthy subjects and patients with autoimmune disease (type 1 DM). Dot immunoblot analysis against a panel of peptides of PgHSP60 and human HSP60 (HuHSP60) was performed to identify epitope spreading, and a densitometric image analysis was conducted. Results: Of the peptide from PgHSP60, MtHSP60, and CpHSP60, PgHSP60 was the predominant epitope and was most consistently recognized by the serum samples of healthy teenagers. Most sera from healthy subjects and patients with type 1 DM reacted more strongly with PgHSP60 and Pep19 than the other peptides. The relative intensity of antibody reactivity to Pep19 was higher in the type 1 DM group than in the healthy groups. Conclusions: Pep19 is an immunodominant epitope, not only in autoimmune disease patients, but also in healthy young subjects, as evidenced by their robust immunoreactivity. This result suggests that the Pep19-specific immune response may be an initiator that triggers autoimmune diseases.

• 한국위성정보통신학회논문지
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• 제8권1호
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• pp.8-13
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• 2013

다양하고 많은 발사체를 효과적으로 운영하기 위해서 우리의 실정에 맞는 차세대 FTS(Flight Termination System)를 선정해서 개발할 필요가 있다. 차세대 FTS 방식으로는 Standard 톤, Secure 톤, MHA(Modified High Alphabet), EFTS(Enhanced FTS) 그리고 DSSS(Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum)가 검토되고 있다. FTS는 사용 목적 때문에 우수한 성능과 높은 신뢰성을 필요로 하며, 소요 수량이 적은 반면에 가격은 고가이다. 때문에 차세대 FTS의 방식을 선정해서 새로운 FTS를 도입하더라도 현재 사용하고 있는 시스템의 주요 구성품의 재사용 가능성 여부도 검토할 필요가 있다. 특히 송신기의 주요 구성품인 전력증폭기는 반드시 재사용 가능성을 검토할 필요가 있다. 신호의 CCDF(Complementary Cumulative Distribution Function)는 신호의 평균전력에 대한 첨두전력의 비를 빈도로 나타낸 것이므로 전력증폭기나 송신기의 성능을 나타낼 때 주로 사용한다. 본 논문에서는 전력증폭기의 재사용 가능성을 검토하는 방법으로 송신신호의 CCDF를 시뮬레이션해서 비교하는 방법을 이용하였다. CCDF 시뮬레이션 결과 Standard 톤의 PEP(Peak Envelop Power)는 0.21dB로 계산되었으며, Secure 톤과 MHA은 송신신호가 Standard 톤과 같기 때문에 동일한 PEP를 갖는다. CPFSK 변조를 이용하는 EFTS의 경우에 PEP는 1.81dB 였으며, BPSK 변조를 이용하는 DSSS의 경우에는 2.6dB로 계산되었다.

• 한국위성정보통신학회논문지
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• 제8권1호
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• pp.1-7
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• 2013

최근 위성 통신 시스템은 링크 가용도와 대역폭 효율을 증대시키기 위해 ACM(Adaptive Coding and Modulation) 기술을 사용하고 있지만, PEP(Performance Enhancing Proxy)에서 동작하는 TCP는 ACM 동작에 따라 변경된 물리계층 전송능력을 감지하지 못하고 작아진 BDP (Bandwidth Delay Product) 네트워크에 혼잡을 발생 시킨다. 본 논문에서는 ACM과 PEP를 사용할 때 발생되는 문제점을 극복하여 PEP의 성능을 향상시키는 기법을 제안한다. 이를 위해 ACM기능을 지원하는 물리/MAC(링크)계층 모듈과 전송계층 모듈인 TCP 간에 정보 전달 메시지를 적용하여 물리/MAC(링크)계층의 정보가 TCP에 전달되도록 하여 MODCOD (Modulation and Coding)에 따라 변경되는 물리계층 대역폭을 고려한 적응적인 TCP 혼잡제어를 수행하도록 하였다. 제안한 기법에 대해서 ns-2를 이용한 모의시험 결과 물리계층과 전송계층간의 전송 속도를 적응적으로 정합시킴으로써 네트워크의 혼잡을 미리 방지하고 최적화된 혼잡제어를 수행함으로써 PEP 성능을 향상 시킬 수 있음을 보였다.