• Molecules and Cells
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.306-316
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• 2022

Chronic stress contributes to the risk of developing depression; the habenula, a nucleus in epithalamus, is associated with many neuropsychiatric disorders. Using genome-wide gene expression analysis, we analyzed the transcriptome of the habenula in rats exposed to chronic restraint stress for 14 days. We identified 379 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were affected by chronic stress. These genes were enriched in neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, the cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) signaling pathway, circadian entrainment, and synaptic signaling from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis and responded to corticosteroids, positive regulation of lipid transport, anterograde trans-synaptic signaling, and chemical synapse transmission from the Gene Ontology analysis. Based on protein-protein interaction network analysis of the DEGs, we identified neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, circadian entrainment, and cholinergic synapse-related subclusters. Additionally, cell type and habenular regional expression of DEGs, evaluated using a recently published single-cell RNA sequencing study (GSE137478), strongly suggest that DEGs related to neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and trans-synaptic signaling are highly enriched in medial habenular neurons. Taken together, our findings provide a valuable set of molecular targets that may play important roles in mediating the habenular response to stress and the onset of chronic stress-induced depressive behaviors.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.45 no.8
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• pp.588-602
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• 2022

Various RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are key components in RNA metabolism and contribute to several neurodevelopmental disorders. To date, only a few of such RBPs have been characterized for their roles in neocortex development. Here, we show that the RBP, Rbms1, is required for radial migration, polarization and differentiation of neuronal progenitors to neurons in the neocortex development. Rbms1 expression is highest in the early development in the developing cortex, with its expression gradually diminishing from embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5) to postnatal day 0 (P0). From in utero electroporation (IUE) experiments when Rbms1 levels are knocked down in neuronal progenitors, their transition from multipolar to bipolar state is delayed and this is accompanied by a delay in radial migration of these cells. Reduced Rbms1 levels in vivo also reduces differentiation as evidenced by a decrease in levels of several differentiation markers, meanwhile having no significant effects on proliferation and cell cycle rates of these cells. As an RNA binding protein, we profiled the RNA binders of Rbms1 by a cross-linked-RIP sequencing assay, followed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction verification and showed that Rbms1 binds and stabilizes the mRNA for Efr3a, a signaling adapter protein. We also demonstrate that ectopic Efr3a can recover the cells from the migration defects due to loss of Rbms1, both in vivo and in vitro migration assays with cultured cells. These imply that one of the functions of Rbms1 involves the stabilization of Efr3a RNA message, required for migration and maturation of neuronal progenitors in radial migration in the developing neocortex.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.45 no.11
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• pp.846-854
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• 2022

Neurons make long-distance connections via their axons, and the accuracy and stability of these connections are crucial for brain function. Research using various animal models showed that the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the assembly and maintenance of neuronal circuitry are highly conserved in vertebrates. Therefore, to gain a deeper understanding of brain development and maintenance, an efficient vertebrate model is required, where the axons of a defined neuronal cell type can be genetically manipulated and selectively visualized in vivo. Placental mammals pose an experimental challenge, as time-consuming breeding of genetically modified animals is required due to their in utero development. Xenopus laevis, the most commonly used amphibian model, offers comparative advantages, since their embryos ex utero during which embryological manipulations can be performed. However, the tetraploidy of the X. laevis genome makes them not ideal for genetic studies. Here, we use Xenopus tropicalis, a diploid amphibian species, to visualize axonal pathfinding and degeneration of a single central nervous system neuronal cell type, the retinal ganglion cell (RGC). First, we show that RGC axons follow the developmental trajectory previously described in X. laevis with a slightly different timeline. Second, we demonstrate that co-electroporation of DNA and/or oligonucleotides enables the visualization of gene function-altered RGC axons in an intact brain. Finally, using this method, we show that the axon-autonomous, Sarm1-dependent axon destruction program operates in X. tropicalis. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that the visual system of X. tropicalis is a highly efficient model to identify new molecular mechanisms underlying axon guidance and survival.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.46 no.8
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• pp.513-525
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• 2023

Orange carotenoid protein (OCP) of photosynthetic cyanobacteria binds to ketocarotenoids noncovalently and absorbs excess light to protect the host organism from light-induced oxidative damage. Herein, we found that mutating valine 40 in the α3 helix of Gloeocapsa sp. PCC 7513 (GlOCP1) resulted in blue- or red-shifts of 6-20 nm in the absorption maxima of the lit forms. We analyzed the origins of absorption maxima shifts by integrating X-ray crystallography, homology modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, and hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations. Our analysis suggested that the single residue mutations alter the polar environment surrounding the bound canthaxanthin, thereby modulating the degree of charge transfer in the photoexcited state of the chromophore. Our integrated investigations reveal the mechanism of color adaptation specific to OCPs and suggest a design principle for color-specific photoswitches.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.93-103
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• 2024

Satellite glial cells (SGCs), a major type of glial cell in the autonomic ganglia, closely envelop the cell body and even the synaptic regions of a single neuron with a very narrow gap. This structurally unique organization suggests that autonomic neurons and SGCs may communicate reciprocally. Glial Ca²⁺ signaling is critical for controlling neural activity. Here, for the first time we identified the machinery of store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) which is critical for cellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis in rat sympathetic ganglia under normal and pathological states. Quantitative realtime PCR and immunostaining analyses showed that Orai1 and stromal interaction molecules 1 (STIM1) proteins are the primary components of SOCE machinery in the sympathetic ganglia. When the internal Ca²⁺ stores were depleted in the absence of extracellular Ca²⁺, the number of plasmalemmal Orai1 puncta was increased in neurons and SGCs, suggesting activation of the Ca²⁺ entry channels. Intracellular Ca²⁺ imaging revealed that SOCE was present in SGCs and neurons; however, the magnitude of SOCE was much larger in the SGCs than in the neurons. The SOCE was significantly suppressed by GSK7975A, a selective Orai1 blocker, and Pyr6, a SOCE blocker. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) upregulated the glial fibrillary acidic protein and Toll-like receptor 4 in the sympathetic ganglia. Importantly, LPS attenuated SOCE via downregulating Orai1 and STIM1 expression. In conclusion, sympathetic SGCs functionally express the SOCE machinery, which is indispensable for intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling. The SOCE is highly susceptible to inflammation, which may affect sympathetic neuronal activity and thereby autonomic output.

• Journal of IKEEE
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.261-270
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• 2024

In this study, a lanthanum gallium oxide (LaGaO) solution was prepared using a sol-gel method. By simply forming a LaGaO thin film through adjusting the curing temperature after applying the solution onto the substrate using a brush coating process, the potential for use as a liquid crystal (LC) alignment film in the LC display industry was validated. Through optical microscope observation, it was confirmed that the LC molecules were uniformly aligned as the curing temperature of the LaGaO thin film increased. It was confirmed that the LaGaO thin film cured at 230℃ had low pretilt angle, and that LaGaO particles were formed in a single direction as observed through an atomic force microscope. Through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, it was found that the LaGaO metal oxide thin film was well formed. Finally, it has been confirmed that LaGaO metal oxide has the potential as a novel LC alignment film material, as it exhibits excellent electrical and optical properties, along with high optical transmittance.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.187-197
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• 2009

Objective: Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of proteins are important in regulating cellular signaling pathways. Bead-based multiplex phosphorylation assay was conducted to detect the phosphorylation of seven proteins to maximize the information obtained from a single lysate of stage-specific mouse oocytes at a time. Methods: Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured for 2 h, 8 h, and 16 h, respectively to address phosphorylation status of seven target proteins during oocyte maturation process. We analyzed the changes in phosphorylation at germinal vesicle (GV, 0 h), germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD, 2 h), metaphase I (MI, 8 h), and metaphase II (MII, 16 h in vitro or in vivo) mouse oocytes by using Bio-Plex phosphoprotein assay system. We chose seven target proteins, namely, three mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 MAPK, and other 4 well known signaling molecules, Akt, GSK-$3{\alpha}/{\beta}$, $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$, and STAT3 to measure their phosphorylation status. Western blot analysis and kinase inhibitor treatment for ERK1/2, JNK, and Akt during in vitro maturation of oocytes were conducted for the confirmation. Results: Phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, p38 MAPK and STAT3 was increased over 3 folds up to 20 folds, while phosphorylation of the other three signal molecules, Akt, GSK-$3{\alpha}/{\beta}$, and $I{\kapa}B{\alpha}$ was less than 3 folds. All of these results except for Akt were statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: This is the first report on the new and valuable method measuring many phosphoproteins simultaneously in one minute sample such as oocyte lysates. All of the three MAPKs, ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 MAPK are involved in the process of mouse oocyte maturation. In addition, STAT3 might be important regulator of oocyte maturation, while Akt phosphorylation at Serine 473 may not be involved in the regulation of oocyte maturation.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.9
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• pp.1062-1067
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• 2018

Reliable labeling of fish products can reassure consumers regarding the identity and quality of seafoods. Therefore, techniques that can identify adulteration or mislabeling are valuable. To rapidly identify two Trachurus species, Trachurus japonicus and Trachurus novaezelandiae, a highly efficient, rapid, duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) having two species-specific primers simultaneously was identified. This species-specific primer focused on a single nucleotide mismatch in the 3'-terminal base of a primer designed in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COI) subunit I DNA. To optimize the duplex PCR condition, gradient PCR reactions were conducted to determine the primer annealing temperature and the primer concentration. The PCR's product was observed on the gel, suggesting that DNA molecules may be useful in differentiating the two species. The length of the amplification fragments were 103 bp for Trachurus japonicus and 214 bp for Trachurus novaezelandiae, which, along with the species-specific primer visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis, enabled accurate distinction of the species of the Trachurus genus. These results indicate that the duplex PCR, which has a species-specific primer based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), can be useful for rapidly differentiating the two species of Trachurus. This duplex PCR analysis is simple, rapid, and reliable, and could be beneficial to protecting consumers' rights.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.382-388
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• 2002

Compomer is composed of matrix and filler : matrix is made of the combination of resins and polycarboxylic molecules that are light-cured, and a filler is a glass component which is capable of ion-release. The resin content of compomers produces polymerization shrinkage which can adversely affect marginal adaptation. Pretreatment is a fundamental step which is treated with conditioner or primer in the use of these materials. Microleakage of restorative materials has been investigated mostly by dye penetration method. Dye penetration method was not quantitative and not measured repeatedly. Fluid filtration method, introduced and developed by Pashley's group, has been extensively used for 20 years for research purpose to understand the physiology of dentin, as well as the effects of various restorative treatments on dentin permeability. It permits quantitative, nondestructive measurment of microleakage in a longitudinal manner. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change of dentin permeability according to the process of compomer restoration. In this study. Cl V cavities were prepared on buccal surface of thirty extracted human molars. The prepared cavities were etched by 37% phosphoric acid. The experimental teeth were randomly divided into three groups. Each group was treated with following materials Group 1 : Prime & Bond NT/Dyract AP, Group2： Single Bond/F2000 compomer, Group 3 : Syntac Single Component/Compoglass. The bonding agent and compomer were applied for each group following manufacturers information. Dentin permeability of each group was measured at each process by fluid filtration method; Step 1 : preparation(smear layer). Step 2 : etching(smear layer removal), Step 3 : applying the bonding agent, Step 4 : filling the compomer. Dentin permeability was expressed by hydraulic conductance ($\mu\textrm{l}$ min$^{-1}$cm$H_2O$$^{-1}$). The data were analysed statistically using One-way ANOVA and Sheffe's method. The results were as follows : 1. Dentin permeability differences between each process were significant except between step 1 and step 2(p<0.01). 2. Dentin permeability after removal of smear layer was highly increased(p<0.01). 3. In most case, decrease of dentin permeability was obtained by applying bonding agent(p<0.01). 4. Dentin permeability differences among the experimental groups were not significant(p>0.05). 5. None of compomers used in this study showed perfect seal at the interface.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.40 no.7
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• pp.1053-1062
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• 2011

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), including singlet oxygen (${O_2}^1$), superoxide anion radical ($O_2{\cdot}^-$), hydroxyl radical ($HO{\cdot}$), peroxyl radical ($ROO{\cdot}$), hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$), and hypochlorous (HOCl), are generated as byproducts of normal cellular metabolism. ROS induce damage to many biological molecules, such as lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and DNA. It is widely believed that some degenerative diseases caused by ROS can be prevented by the high intake of fruits and vegetables due to their antioxidant activities. Recently, research on natural antioxidants has become increasingly active in various fields. Several assays have been developed to measure the total antioxidant capacity of antioxidants in fruits and vegetables in vitro. These assays include those for DPPH radical scavenging activity, SOD-like activity, total polyphenol content, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, reducing power, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (ABTS assay), single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay), and a cellular antioxidant activity assay. Because different antioxidant compounds may act through different mechanisms in vitro, no single assay can fully evaluate the total antioxidant capacity of foods. Due to the complexity of the composition of foods, it is important to be able to measure antioxidant activity using biologically relevant assays. In this review, recently used assays were selected for extended discussion, including a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of each assay and their application to fruits and vegetables.