• BMB Reports
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• 제48권8호
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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]

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.43-47
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• 2007

Transforming growth $factor-{\beta}(TGF-{\beta})$ 신호의 매개자 역할을 하는 Smad 계열 단백질은 발생과정에 중요한 역할을 한다고 알려져 있다. Estrogen receptor(ER)와 구조적으로 유사한 estrogen receptor-related receptor(ERR)은 포유동물에서 후기 배발생기에 외배엽 형성과 관련이 되어 있는 고아핵수용체이다. 본 연구에서는 해양무척추동물의 초기발생과정과 계절번식기 동안에 Smad3와 ERR의 유전자 발현이 발생과정과 성숙에 어떠한 연관성을 갖고 있는지 알아보기 위하여, 동해안 연안에 주로 서식하는 극피동물문 둥근성게과 둥근성게(Strongylocentrotus nudus)를 재료로 하여 계절별 및 배발생 과정중에 Smad3와 $ERR{\beta}$ like 1의 mRNA 농도를 real-time PCR 방법으로 조사하였다. Smad3 mRNA는 샘플링을 시작한 2004년 2월의 생식소와 비교하면 4월부터 그 농도가 증가하기 시작하여 6월까지 증가하였으며, 산란기인 8월에 감소하였다가 10월부터 12월까지 높은 수준을 유지하였다. $ERR{\beta}$ like 1 mRNA는 6월까지 낮은 수준이었으나, 산란기인 8월에 급증한 후 다시 감소하였다. 수정란부터 초기 유생기까지 발생과정을 분석한 결과, Smad3 mRNA는 8세포기 및 16세포기에 높은 발현이 관측되었다. 한편, $ERR{\beta}$ like 1 mRNA는 포배기, 낭배기, 초기 유생기에 현저하게 높은 발현패턴을 보였다. 이상의 결과로부터 둥근성게의 산란기 및 발생배의 발생후기에 $ERR{\beta}$ like 1이 중요한 역할을 담당할 것으로 추정되며, 초기 난할시기에는 Smad3의 관련성이 시사되었다.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제14권6호
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• pp.321-327
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• 2014

TGF-${\beta}$ induces IgA class switching by B cells. We previously reported that Smad3 and Smad4, pivotal TGF-${\beta}$ signal-transducing transcription factors, mediate germline (GL) ${\alpha}$ transcription induced by TGF-${\beta}1$, resulting in IgA switching by mouse B cells. Post-translational sumoylation of Smad3 and Smad4 regulates TGF-${\beta}$-induced transcriptional activation in certain cell types. In the present study, we investigated the effect of sumoylation on TGF-${\beta}1$-induced, Smad3/4-mediated $GL{\alpha}$ transcription and IgA switching by mouse B cell line, CH12F3-2A. Overexpression of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)-1, SUMO-2 or SUMO-3 did not affect TGF-${\beta}1$-induced, Smad3/4-mediated $GL{\alpha}$ promoter activity, expression of endogenous $GL{\alpha}$ transcripts, surface IgA expression, and IgA production. Next, we tested the effect of the E3 ligase PIASy on TGF-${\beta}1$-induced, Smad3/4-mediated $GL{\alpha}$ promoter activity. We found that PIASy overexpression suppresses the $GL{\alpha}$ promoter activity in cooperation with histone deacetylase 1. Taken together, these results suggest that SUMO itself does not affect regulation of $GL{\alpha}$ transcription and IgA switching induced by TGF-${\beta}1$/Smad3/4, while PIASy acts as a repressor.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제45권6호
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• pp.413-424
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• 2022

Suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (SMAD) 4 is a pluripotent signaling mediator that regulates myriad cellular functions, including cell growth, cell division, angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell invasion, and metastasis, through transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-dependent and -independent pathways. SMAD4 is a critical modulator in signal transduction and functions primarily as a transcription factor or cofactor. Apart from being a DNA-binding factor, the additional SMAD4 mechanisms in tumor suppression remain elusive. We previously identified methyl malonyl aciduria cobalamin deficiency B type (MMAB) as a critical SMAD4 binding protein using a proto array analysis. This study confirmed the interaction between SMAD4 and MMAB using bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay, proximity ligation assay (PLA), and conventional immunoprecipitation. We found that transient SMAD4 overexpression down-regulates MMAB expression via a proteasome-dependent pathway. SMAD4-MMAB interaction was independent of TGF-β signaling. Finally, we determined the effect of MMAB downregulation on cancer cells. siRNA-mediated knockdown of MMAB affected cancer cell metabolism in HeLa cells by decreasing ATP production and glucose consumption as well as inducing apoptosis. These findings suggest that SMAD4 controls cancer cell metabolism by regulating MMAB.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• 제19권3호
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• pp.245-251
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• 2001

목적 : K562 세포를 대상으로 PTK inhibitor (herbimycinA와 genistein)에 의한 방사선 유도 apoptosis의 변화에 따른 관련 유전자를 탐색하고자 하였다. 대상 및 방법 : K562 세포는 $2\times10^5\;cells/mL$의 비율로 준비하여 대수증식기로 성장한 세포를 각각의 실험조건에 따라 처리하여 사용하였다. 방사선 조사는 6-MV X-Ray 10 Gy (Clinac 1800C, Varian, USA)를 $200\~300\;cGy/min$의 선량율로 상온에서 일정하게 조사하였다. Herbimycin A (HMA, Calbiochem, UK)와 genistein (Calbiochem, UK)은 dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO, Sigma, UK)에 녹여서 각각 1 mM과 10 mM의 농축용액으로 조제한 각각 250 nM과 $25\;{\mu}M$의 최종농도로 처리하였다. 내성 변화의 조절에 관여하는 유전자를 찾고자 PCR-select cDNA subtractive hybridization을 실시하여 128개의 차별 발현되는 clones을 재선별하였다. DNA sequencing을 통하여 염기서열을 분석하였으며, GenBank database를 이용하여 이미 밝혀진 유전자들과의 상동성을 비교하였다. 상동성을 갖는 clone을 확인하여 이를 probe로 사용하여 방사선 단독조사한 실험군과 방사선과 HMA 또는 genistein을 동시 처리한 실험군들간의 mRNA 발현의 차이를 Northern hybridization을 통하여 확인하였다. 결과 : homo sapiens Smad6 유전자와 $95\%$의 상동성을 갖는 clone을 확인하였다. 이를 probe로 사용하여 방사선 단독 조사한 실험군과 방사선과 HMA 또는 genistein을 동시 처리한 실험군들간의 mRNA 발현의 차이를 비교 분석한 결과, 방사선과 genistein을 동시 처리한 실험군의 mRNA 발현이 방사선 단독 조사한 실험군과 방사선과 HMA를 처리한 실험군들에 비하여 현저히 높았다. 결론 : Smad6와 방사선에 의해 유도되는 apoptosis의 억제에 관한 연관성을 보고한 문헌은 없으나, Smad6가 일부세포에서 apoptosis를 억제한다는 보고들과, 본 연구에서 관찰한 genistein에 의한 방사선에 의해 유도되는 apoptosis의 억제에서 그 발현이 두드러지게 증가한 점 등을 미루어 보아 방사선에 의하여 유도된 apoptosis의 억제 및 방사선 내성의 조절에도 관여할 것으로 생각된다.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제26권6호
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• pp.519-530
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• 2022

Recent research indicates that lactate promotes the switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to a synthetic phenotype, which has been implicated in various vascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lactate on the VSMC phenotype switch and the underlying mechanism. The CCK-8 method was used to assess cell viability. The microRNAs and mRNAs levels were evaluated using quantitative PCR. Targets of microRNA were predicted using online tools and confirmed using a luciferase reporter assay. We found that lactate promoted the switch of VSMCs to a synthetic phenotype, as evidenced by an increase in VSMC proliferation, mitochondrial activity, migration, and synthesis but a decrease in VSMC apoptosis. Lactate inhibited miR-23b expression in VSMCs, and miR-23b inhibited VSMC's switch to the synthetic phenotype. Lactate modulated the VSMC phenotype through downregulation of miR-23b expression, suggesting that overexpression of miR-23b using a miR-23b mimic attenuated the effects of lactate on VSMC phenotype modulation. Moreover, we discovered that SMAD family member 3 (SMAD3) was the target of miR-23b in regulating VSMC phenotype. Further findings suggested that lactate promotes VSMC switch to synthetic phenotype by targeting SMAD3 and downregulating miR-23b. These findings suggest that correcting the dysregulation of miR-23b/SMAD3 or lactate metabolism is a potential treatment for vascular diseases.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제31권1호
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• pp.7-21
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• 2014

Objectives : To observe the regenerative effects of indirect moxibustion, a traditional Korean medical treatment on skeletal muscles using mouse model of skeletal muscle adiposity. Methods : Twenty seven ICR male mice were randomly assigned into Intact control(n=3), glycerol treatment together without moxibustion(n=12), and glycerol treatment together with moxibustion (n=12) groups. Mice of glycerol treatment groups were injected with 50 ${\mu}l$ DW(distilled water) containing 50 % of glycerol into the two tibialis anterior. After injection, moxibustion was applied at 'Shenshu'($BL_{23}$) and 'Zusanli'($ST_{36}$) acupoints three times per each session, every days for twelve days(total 12 treatments). Phospho-Erk1/2, Myostatin protein levels were analyzed by western blotting and immunofluo-rescence staining techniques for tissues of the tibialis anterior muscle. Smad, phospho-Smad were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. Results : 1. Histological analysis of sections from injected TA muscles showed that glycerol induced rapidly muscle necrosis, with a maximum at day 3. 6 days and 9 days after injection, muscle was regenerating. 2. According to western blotting and immunofluorescence staining, phospho-Erk1/2 protein signals in glycerol treatment with moxibustion group were stronger compared to Intact and glycerol treatment without moxibustion group. 3. According to western blotting and immunofluorescence staining, myostatin protein signals in glycerol treatment without moxibustion group were stronger compared to Intact and glycerol treatment with moxibustion group. 4. According to immunofluorescence staining, Smad protein signals in glycerol treatment without moxibustion group were stronger compared to Intact and glycerol treatment with moxibustion group. 5. According to immunofluorescence staining, phospho-Smad protein signals in glycerol treatment without moxibustion group were stronger compared to Intact and glycerol treatment with moxibustion group. Conclusions : These results confirm that indirect moxibustion of 'Shenshu'($BL_{23}$) and 'Zusanli'($ST_{36}$) influences muscle regeneration in mouse models of skeletal muscle adiposity. Further discussion, and the establishment of moxibustion mechanism will prompt clinical application of moxibustion.

• BMB Reports
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• 제38권1호
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• pp.9-16
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• 2005

Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-$\beta$ family, including TGF-$\beta$, bone morphorgenic protein (BMP), and activn, plays an important role in essential cellular functions such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, tissue remodeling, angiognesis, immune responses, and cell adhesions. TGF-$\beta$ predominantly transmits the signals through serine/threonine receptor kinases and cytoplasmic proteins called Smads. Since the discovery of TGF-$\beta$ in the early 1980s, the dysregulation of TGF-$\beta$/Smad signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of human diseases. Among signal transducers in TGF-$\beta$/Smad signaling, inhibitory Smads (I-Smads), Smad6 and Smad7, act as major negative regulators forming autoinhibitory feedback loops and mediate the cross-talking with other signaling pathways. Expressions of I-Smads are mainly regulated on the transcriptional levels and post-translational protein degradations and their intracellular levels are tightly controlled to maintain the homeostatic balances. However, abnormal levels of I-Smads in the pathological conditions elicit the altered TGF-$\beta$ signaling in cells, eventually causing TGF-$\beta$-related human diseases. Thus, exploring the molecular mechanisms about the regulations of I-Smads may provide the therapeutic clues for human diseases induced by the abnormal TGF-$\beta$ signaling.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제34권4호
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• pp.245-253
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• 2024

본 연구는 초석잠 뿌리 분획물의 항산화 및 항염증 효과를 규명하고 transforming growth factor (TGF) β 자극에 의한 smad 신호전달에 미치는 효과에 대해 연구하였다. 초석잠 뿌리 분획물들 중 n-BuOH 분획물이 16.67 mg/g 으로 가장 높은 플라보노이드 함량을 나타내었으며, 다음으로 n-Hexane, water 및 85% aq. MeOH 분획물 순이었다. 초석잠 뿌리의 지방산 조성은 n-6 지방산(54.27%) > n-3 지방산(21.18%) > 포화지방산(19.70%) > n-9 지방산(3.60%) 순으로 나타났으며, 지방산들 중 n-6계 지방산인 linoleic acid (18:2n-6)가 54.27%로 나타내었고 n-3계 지방산인 linolenic acid (18:3n-3)는 20.82%의 함량을 나타내었다. DPPH 및 ABTS 라디칼 소거능을 확인한 결과, 초석잠 뿌리 분획물들 중 n-BuOH 분획물은 0.5 mg/mL 의 농도에서 각각 85.4% 및 90.2%로 라디칼 소거능을 나타내었다. 85% aq. MeOH 분획물은 0.5 mg/mL 의 농도에서 각각 58.7% 및 90.8%로 DPPH 및 ABTS 라디칼 소거능을 보였다. 항염증 효능 중 NO 생성 저해 효과는 모든 분획물들이 0.5, 1 및 2 mg/mL의 농도에서 control 과 유의적 차이를 보이면서 NO 생성을 저해하였다(p<0.05). TGFβ signaling의 smad3 의 인산화 발현량을 확인한 결과 85% aq. MeOH 및 water 분획물들을 처리한 군에서 control과 비교했을 때 각각 88% 및 77% 수준으로 smad3의 인산화가 저해되는 것을 확인하였다. 이상의 결과들로부터 플라보노이드 함량이 높은 n-BuOH 분획물의 항산화 활성이 높았고 항염증 및 TGFβ signaling의 smad3 의 인산화 저해 활성은 85% aq. MeOH 및 water 분획물들에서 높은 활성이 나타났다.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권5호
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• pp.2083-2087
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• 2014

Colorectal cancers remain to be a common cause of cancer-related death. Early-onset cases as well as those of various ethnic origins have aggressive clinical features, the basis of which requires further exploration. The aim of this work was to examine the expression patterns of $p15^{INK4b}$ and SMAD4 in colorectal carcinoma of different ethnic origins. Fifty-five sporadic colorectal carcinoma of Egyptian origin, 25 of which were early onset, and 54 cancers of Finnish origin were immunohistochemically stained with antibodies against $p15^{INK4b}$ and SMAD4 proteins. Data were compared to the methylation status of the $p15^{INK4b}$ gene promotor. $p15^{INK4b}$ was totally lost or deficient (lost in ${\geq}50%$ of tumor cell) in 47/55 (85%) tumors of Egyptian origin as compared to 6/50 (12%) tumors of Finnish origin (p=7e-15). In the Egyptian cases with $p15^{INK4b}$ loss and available $p15^{INK4b}$ promotor methylation status, 89% of cases which lost $p15^{INK4b}$ expression were associated with $p15^{INK4b}$ gene promotor hypermethylation. SMAD4 was lost or deficient in 25/54 (46%) tumors of Egyptian origin and 28/48 (58%) tumors of Finnish origin. 22/54 (41%) Egyptian tumors showed combined loss/deficiency of both $p15^{INK4b}$ and SMAD4, while $p15^{INK4b}$ was selectively lost/deficient with positive SMAD4 expression in 24/54 (44%) tumors. Loss of $p15^{INK4b}$ was associated with older age at presentation (>50 years) in the Egyptian tumors (p=0.04). These data show for the first time that $p15^{INK4b}$ loss of expression marks a subset of colorectal cancers and ethnic origin may play a role in this selection. In a substantial number of cases, the loss was independent of SMAD4 but rather associated with $p15^{INK4b}$ gene promotor hypermethylation and old age which could be related to different environmental exposures.