• Title/Summary/Keyword: differentiation of expression

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The Effect of Kaempferol, guercetin on Hyaluronan-Synthesis Stimulation in Human Keratinocytes (HaCaT) (인체 피부 세포주 (HaCaT)에서 Kaempferol, Quercetin의 Hyaluronan 합성 촉진 효과에 대한 연구)

  • Kim, Seung-Hun;Nam, Gae-Won;Kang, Byung-Young;Lee, Hae-Kwang;Moon, Seong-Joon;Chang, Ih-Seop
    • Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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    • v.31 no.1 s.49
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    • pp.97-102
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    • 2005
  • One of the key molecules involved in skin moisture is hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid, HA) with its associated water of hydration. The predominant component of the ECM (extracellular matrix) of skin is HA. It Is the primordial and the simplest of the GAGs (glycosaminoglycans), a water-sorbed macromolecule In extracellular matrix, Included between the vital cells of epidermis. In the skin, HA was previously thought to derive extlusively from dermis. But, recent studies revealed that HA could be synthesized in epidermis. Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds that is found mainly in foods of plant origin. Kaempferol was known to increase glutathione synthesis in human keratinocyte. And quercetin blocked PPAR-meidated keratinocyte differentiation as lipoxygenase inhibitors. In this study, we sought to evaluate the effect of flavonid, kaempferol and quercetin on production HA in keratinocyte. We examined the changes of three human hyaluronan synthase genes (HASI, HAS2, HAS3) expression by semi-quantitative RT-PCR when kaempferol or quercetin was added to cultured human keratinocytes. We found that these flavonoids slightly upregulated HAS2, HAS3 mRNA after 24 h. And we investigated the effect on HA production by ELISA. When we evaluated the level of HA in culture medium after 24 h incubation. We found enhanced accumulation of HA in the culture medium. Although the effects of above flavonoids are less than retinoic acid, the data indicate that kaempferol, quercetin can dose-dependently increase the level of HA in epidermis cell line. It suggested that flavonoid, kaempferol, and quercetin increased production of HA in skin and it helped to elevate skin moisture and improve facial wrinkle.

Antioxidants and Anti-obesity Activities of Hot Water and Ethanolic Extracts from Cheonnyuncho (Opuntia humifusa) (천년초의 열수 및 에탄올 추출물의 항산화 및 항비만 활성)

  • Kim, Dae-Jung;Jung, Ji-Hoon;Kim, Sun-Gu;Lee, Hya-Ku;Lee, Seong-Kap;Hong, Hee-Do;Lee, Boo-Yong;Lee, Ok-Hwan
    • Food Science and Preservation
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    • v.18 no.3
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    • pp.366-373
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    • 2011
  • Recent studies suggested that Cheonnyuncho is a significant source of bioactive phenolic compounds, comparable to phytochemicals, including green tea and onion. In this study, the hot-water and 80% ethanolic extracts of Cheonnyuncho were assessed as to their total phenol content, total flavonoids content, antioxidant activity (DPPH radical-scavenging activity and reducing power), and anti-obesity activity. The results showed that the total phenol contents of the hot water extract and the 80% ethanolic extract were $16.52{\pm}3.87$ and $13.44{\pm}0.85$ mg GAE/g, respectively. The total flavonoids content was detected only in the 80% ethanolic extract, however, with a 778.08 ${\mu}g$ catechin equivalents/g content. The DPPH radical-scavenging activity and reducing power of the 80% ethanolic extract from Cheonnyuncho was significantly higher than those of the water extract (p < 0.05). During the adipocyte differentiation, the 80% ethanolic extract of Cheonnyuncho more significantly inhibited lipid accumulation and ROS production than the 3T3-L1 cells that were treated with hot water extract. Furthermore, the 80% ethanolic extract of Cheonnyuncho suppressed the mRNA abundance of the adipogenic transcription factor, $PPAR{\gamma}$ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\gamma}$), and its target gene, aP2 (adipocyte protein 2). These results indicate that Cheonnyuncho extracts can inhibit adipogenesis through a mechanism that involves direct down regulation of $PPAR{\gamma}$ gene expression or via modulation of ROS production associated with radical-scavenging activities.

Research on Immune Responses Induced by Salmonella Typhimurium Infectionin CRIP1-Deficient Condition (CRIP1결손조건 하에서 Salmonella Typhimurium 감염에 의해 유도되는 면역반응에 관한 연구)

  • Dongju Seo;Se-Hui Lee;Sun Park;Hyeyun Kim;Jin-Young Yang
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.34 no.1
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    • pp.48-58
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    • 2024
  • Salmonella is a common food-borne intracellular bacterial pathogen that has triggered significant public health concerns. Salmonella hosts' genetic factors play a pivotal role in determining their susceptibility to the pathogen. Cysteine-rich intestinal protein 1 (CRIP1), a member of LIM/double zinc finger protein family, is widely expressed in humans, such as in the lungs, spleen, and especially the gut. Recently, CRIP1 has been reported as a key marker of several immune disorders; however, the effect of CRIP1 on bacterial infection remains unknown. We aimed to elucidate the relationship between Salmonella infection and CRIP1 gene deficiency, as Salmonella spp. is known to invade the Peyer's patches of the small intestine, where CRIP1 is highly expressed. We found that CRIP1-deficient conditions could not alter the characteristics of bone marrow-derived myeloid cells in terms of phagocytosis on macrophages and the activation of costimulatory molecules on dendritic cells using ex vivo differentiation. Moreover, flow cytometry data showed comparable levels of MHCII+CD11b+CD11c+ dendritic cells and MHCII+F4/80+CD11b+ macrophages between WT and CRIP1 knockout (KO) mice. Interestingly, the basal population of monocytes in the spleen and neutrophils in MLNs is more abundant in a steady state of CRIP1 KO mice than WT mice. Here, we demonstrated that the CRIP1 genetic factor plays dispensable roles in host susceptibility to Salmonella Typhimurium infections and the activation of myeloid cells. In addition, differential immune cell populations without antigen exposure in CRIP1 KO mice suggest that the regulation of CRIP1 expression may be a novel immunotherapeutic approach to various infectious diseases.

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidative Effects of Lotus Root Extract in LPS-PG-Stimulated Human Gingival Fibroblast-1 Cells (치주염 원인균 LPS-PG로 유도된 인체 치은섬유아세포에서 연뿌리 추출물에 대한 항염증 및 항산화 효과)

  • Lee, Young-Kyung;Kim, Chul Hwan;Jeong, Dae Won;Lee, Ki Won;Oh, Young Taek;Kim, Jeong Il;Jeong, Jin-Woo
    • Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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    • v.35 no.5
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    • pp.565-573
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    • 2022
  • Gingival inflammation is one of the main causes that can be related to various periodontal diseases. Human gingival fibroblast (HGF) is the major constituent in periodontal connective tissue and secretes various inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation. This study is aimed at investigating the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities of Lotus Root extract (LRE) in Porphyromonas gingivalis derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS-PG)-stimulated HGF-1 cells. The concentration of NO and PGE2, as well as their responsible enzymes, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), was analyzed by Griess reaction, ELISA, and western blot analysis. LPS-PG sharply elevated the production and protein expression of inflammatory mediators, which were significantly attenuated by LRE treatment in a dose-dependent manner. LRE treatment also suppressed activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in LPS-PG-stimulated HGF-1 cells. In addition, one of phase II enzyme, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase (NQO)-1, and its transcription factor, Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), were significantly induced by LRE treatment. Consequently, these results suggest that LRE ameliorates LPS-PG-induced inflammatory responses by attenuating TLR4/MyD88-mediated NF-κB, and activating NQO-1/Nrf2 antioxidant response element signaling pathways in HGF-1 cells.

Phenotypic Variation in the Breast of Live Broiler Chickens Over Time (시간에 따른 생축 육계 가슴살의 표현형 변이)

  • Ji-Won Kim;Chang-Ho Han;Seul-Gy Lee;Jun-Ho Lee;Su-Yong Jang;Jeong-Uk Eom;Kang-Jin Jeong;Jae-Cheol Jang;Hyun-Wook Kim;Han-Sul Yang;Sea-Hwan Sohn;Sang-Hyon Oh
    • Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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    • v.51 no.2
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    • pp.97-106
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    • 2024
  • This study utilized the non-invasive MyotonPRO® device to analyze the stiffness in breast muscles of commercial broilers (Ross 308 and Arbor Acres) and compared these findings with data reported for Ross 708, where Woody Breast (WB) symptoms had been previously documented. The research revealed that Ross 308 and Arbor Acres displayed relatively lower stiffness values compared to Ross 708, suggesting a lack of WB expression. These results indicate differentiation in breast muscle traits across strains and underscore the necessity for further research into factors influencing WB manifestation. The study also measured additional muscle tone characteristics such as Frequency, Decrement, Relaxation, and Creep across various growth stages (2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks), finding significant variations with pronounced severity at weeks 2 and 8. An increase in stiffness was observed as the broilers aged, pointing to potential growth-related or stress-induced changes affecting WB severity. A strong positive correlation was established between increased breast meat weight and WB severity, highlighting that heavier breast meat could exacerbate the condition. This correlation is vital for the poultry industry, suggesting that weight management could help mitigate WB effects. Moreover, the potential for genetic selection and breeding strategies to reduce WB occurrence was emphasized, which could aid in enhancing management practices in commercial poultry production. Collectively, these insights contribute to a deeper understanding of WB in broilers and propose avenues for future research and practical strategies to minimize its impact.

The Optimal Activation State of Dendritic Cells for the Induction of Antitumor Immunity (항종양 면역반응 유도를 위한 수지상세포의 최적 활성화 조건)

  • Nam, Byung-Hyouk;Jo, Wool-Soon;Lee, Ki-Won;Oh, Su-Jung;Kang, Eun-Young;Choi, Yu-Jin;Do, Eun-Ju;Hong, Sook-Hee;Lim, Young-Jin;Kim, Ki-Uk;Jeong, Min-Ho
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.16 no.6
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    • pp.904-910
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    • 2006
  • Dendritic cells (DCs) are the only antigen presenting cells (APCs) capable of initiating immune responses, which is crucial for priming the specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response and tumor immunity. Upon activation by DCs, CD4+ helper T cells can cross-prime CD8+ CTLs via IL-12. However, recently activated DCs were described to prime in vitro strong T helper cell type 1 $(Th_1)$ responses, whereas at later time points, they preferentially prime $Th_2$ cells. Therfore, we examined in this study the optimum kinetic state of DCs activation impacted on in vivo priming of tumor-specific CTLs by using ovalbumin (OVA) tumor antigen model. Bone-marrow-derived DCs showed an appropriate expression of surface MHC and costimulatory molecules after 6 or 7-day differentiation. The 6-day differentiated DCs pulsed with OVA antigen for 8 h (8-h DC) and followed by restimulation with LPS for 24 h maintained high interleukin (IL)-12 production potential, accompanying the decreased level in their secretion by delayed re-exposure time to LPS. Furthermore, immunization with 8-h DC induced higher intracellular $interferon(IFN)-{\gamma}+/CD8+T$ cells and elicited more powerful cytotoxicity of splenocytes to EG7 cells, a clone of EL4 cells transfected with an OVA cDNA, than immunization with 24-h DC. In the animal study for the evaluation of therapeutic or protective antitumor immunity, immunization with 8-h DC induced an effective antitumor immunity against tumor of EG7 cells and completely protected mice from tumor formation and prolonged survival, respectively. The most commonly used and clinically applied DC-based vaccine is based on in vitro antigen loading for 24 h. However, our data indicated that antigen stimulation over 8 h decreased antitumor immunity with functional exhaustion of DCs, and that the 8-h DC would be an optimum activation state impacted on in vivo priming of tumor-specific CTLs and subsequently lead to induction of strong antitumor immunity.

Growth Effect of Oncorhychus masou by Recombinant Myostatin Prodomain Proteins Derived from Fish (어류 유래 마이오스타틴 프로도메인 단백질에 의한 시마연어(Oncorhychus masou) 성장효과)

  • Kim, Jeong-Hwan;Lee, Sang-Beum;Cho, Mi-Jin;Ahn, Ji-Young;Lee, Suk-Keun;Hong, Sung-Youl;Seong, Ki-Baik;Jin, Hyung-Joo
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.21 no.8
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    • pp.1149-1155
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    • 2011
  • Myostatin (MSTN) belongs to the transforming growth factor-${\beta}$ superfamily or growth and differentiation factor 8 (GDF-8), and functions as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle development and growth. Previous studies in mammals have suggested that myostatin knock-out increased muscle mass and decreased fat content compared to those of the wide type. Recently, several studies on myostatin have beenconducted on the block myostatin signal pathway with myostatin antagonists and the MSTN regulation with RNAi to control myostatin function. This study was performed to analyze growth and muscle alteration of Oncorhychus masou by treatment with recombinant myostatin prodomains derived from fish. We designed myostatin prodomains derived from P. olivaceus (pMALc2x-poMSTNpro) and S. schlegeli (pMALc2x-sMSTNpro) in a pMALc2x expression vector, and then purified the recombinant proteins using affinity chromatography. The purified recombinant proteins were treated in O. masou through an immersion method. Recombinant protein treated groups did not show a significant difference in weight, protein, or lipid composition compared to the control. However, there was a difference in the average number and area for histological analyses in the muscle fiber. At twelve and twenty-two weeks from the initial treatment, there were differences in averagefiber number and area between the 0.05 mg/l treated-group and the control, but the numbers were similar to those of the control during the same time period. At twelve weeks, however, 0.2 mg/l treated-group had an increase in average fiber number and decrease in average fiber area compared to the control. At twenty-two weeks, the pMALc2x-sMSTNpro 0.2 mg/l treated-group was induced and showed a decrease in average fiber number and increase in average fiber area. The results between twelve and twenty-two weeks showed that the fiber numbers had decreased, whereas average fiberarea had increased due to sMSTNpro. It is understood that the sMSTNpro induced only hyperplasia at twelve weeks, after which it induced hypertrophy. Recombinant myostatin prodomains derived from fish may induce hyperplasia and hypertrophy in O. masou depending upon the time that has elapsed.

TGF-$\beta$3 Selectively Induces Mouse IgA and IgG2b isotype (TGF-$\beta$3는 마우스 IgA, IgG2b 항체의 선택적 유도작용)

  • 이은경;박석래;전계택;김평현;이세원;최의열
    • Korean Journal of Microbiology
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    • v.35 no.2
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    • pp.164-168
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    • 1999
  • TGF-$\beta$3 is among five TGF-$\beta$ isolorms and shows 80% sequence identity to TGF-$\beta$I, a prototype of TGF--$\beta$. It has been reported that TGF-$\beta$I, particularly in the presence of IL-2 or L-5, increases the pmduction of IgA and IgG2b isoiypes by LPS-actwated murine B cells. We examined the effect of TGF-P3 on Ig synlhesis by B cells from different lymphoid origins. IgA induction by TGP-$\beta$3 was mardnal in LPS-activated spleen B cell culture, while 1gA production was markedly enhanced in the culture shulated with TGF-$\beta$P3 and L-5. In addition, number of IgA secreting cells was increased by TGF-$\beta$P3. Under the same conditions, TGP-$\beta$3 alone was enough to increase IgG2b production but IgM and 1gGl. Sirmlar patiem of IgA and IgGZb enbancement by TGF-$\beta$3 and L-5 was observed in the cullures of mesenteric lymph node B cells. Thus, overall effect of TGF-$\beta$3 on Ig synthesis was quite similar to that of TGF-$\beta$I. Nonetheless, it remains to be underslood whether TGF-$\beta$3 is an important modulator in B cell differentiation since regulation of TGF-$\beta$3 expression is considered to differ from that of TGF-$\beta$I

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Control of Trophoblast Gene Expression and Cell Differentiation

  • Cheon, Jong-Yun
    • 대한생식의학회:학술대회논문집
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    • 2001.03a
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    • pp.195-205
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    • 2001
  • 태반 영양배엽 (trophoblast)은 포유동물의 발생과정 중 가장 먼저 분화되는 세포로서, 자궁환경내에서 배아가 착상, 발생, 및 분화하기 위해서 반드시 필요한 태반을 형성하는 색심적인 세포이다. 영양배엽 세포의 분화과정중의 결함은 배아의 사산이나 임신질환 등의 치명적 결과를 초래한다. 하지만, 영양배엽 세포의 분화를 조절하는 분자생물학적인 메카니즘은 아직 규명되지 않고 있다. 영양배엽 세포의 분화를 조절하는 경로를 규경하기 위한 선결과제는 분화된 영양배엽 세포에서만 발현하는 많은 유전자들이 밝혀져야만 한다. 본 연구팀은 최근에 분화된 영양배엽 세포에서만 발현하는 두 종류의 새로운 유전자들을 찾았다. 한 종류는 homeobox를 보유하고 있는 조절 유전자 Psx이고, 다른 한 종류는 임신호르몬인 태반 프로락틴 라이크 단백질 유전자 PLP-C${\beta}$이다. 본 연구과제의 목표는 이들 유전자의 기능과 조절 메카니즘을 규명함으로써, 영양배엽 세포의 분화를 조절하는 조절경로를 밝히는 것이다. 이를 위하여 다음과 같은 일련의 연구를 수행할 것이다. 1) Psx 유전자가 분화된 영양배엽 세포에서만 발현케 하는 조절 메카니즘을 규명하기 위해 functional assays, in vitro footprinting, gel mobility shift assays, 생쥐형질전화, UV crosslinking, Southwestern blot 등의 방법을 통해 Psx 유전자의 cis-acting 요인과 trans-acting factor를 밝혀 분석한다. 2) 영양배엽 세포의 분화조절 경로를 규명하기 위해 random oligonuclotide library screening, DD-PCR, subtractive screening 등의 방법을 이용하여 Psx 유전자에 의해 조절되는 하부유전자를 밝힌다. 3) Psx 유전자를 knock-out시켜 영양배엽 세포가 발달 및 분화하는데 미치는 역할을 밝힌다. 4) Yeast two-hybrid screening방법을 이용하여 태반 프로락틴 유전자의 수용체를 찾아 이들의 신호전달 기전을 밝힌다. 제1차년 연구결과로서, mouse와 rat으로부터 각각 Psx 유전자의 genomic DNA를 클로닝하여, 유전자 구조를 비교한 결과, mouse Psx (mPsx2)는 4개의 exons으로 이루어져 있는 반면에, rat Psx (Psx3)는 3개의 exons으로 구성되어 있었다. 즉, rPsx3는 mPsx2의 exon1이 없었다. Notrhern blot과 in situ hybridization 분석에 의해 mouse와 rat에서 Psx 유전자가 다르게 발현 조절되는 현상을 밝혔다. 실제로 mPsx2와 rPsx3의 5'-flanking지역을 클로닝하여 염기서열 분석 결과 전혀 homology를 찾을 수 없었다. 또한, 이들 각각 promoter의 activity를 luciferase reporter를 이용하여 조사한 결과 Rcho-1 trophoblast cells에서 각기 다른 activity를 보여 주는 것을 발견하였다. Psx 유전자의 transcription start sites는 Primer extension에 의해 밝혔다. 또한 Psx2 유전자를 knock-out 시키기 위해 targeting vector를 Osdupde1에 제작하였다. 본 과제를 시작할 때 새로운 프로락틴 유전자 하나를 클로닝하여 이 유전자를 PLP-I라고 이름을 붙였다. 이 후 이 유전자 (PLP-I)는 PLP-C${\beta}$라고 이름을 붙이게 되었다. Mouse PLP-C${\beta}$ 유전자의 counterpart를 rat에서 찾아 염기서열을 비교한 결과 mouse와 rat에서 PLP-C${\beta}$유전자의 homology는 약 79% (amino acid level)였다. 본 연구과정을 통해 또 하나의 새로운 PLP-C subfamily member를 mouse로부터 클로닝 하였고, 이 유전자를 PLP-C${\gamma}$라 하였다. PLP-C${\beta}$와 PLP-C${\gamma}$의 발현 유형은 Northern blot과 in 냐셔 hybridization 분석에 의해 태반의 제한된 spongitrophoblast와 trophoblast giant cells에서만 발현하는 것을 밝혔다. 놀랍게도 이들 두 새로운 유전자는 alternative splicing에 의해 두 종류의 isoform이 있음을 밝혔다. PLP family member 유전자로서 splicing에 의한 isoforms을 보여 주는 유전자로는 PLP-C${\beta}$와 PLP-C${\gamma}$가 최초이다. 이들 isoform mRNAs의 발현 유형은 RT-PCR 방법을 이용하여 규명하였다. 또 하나의 새로운 발견은 PLP-C${\beta}$와 PLP-C${\gamma}$가 독특한 유전자 구조를 갖고 있었다. 즉, PLP-C${\beta}$는 exon3의 alternative splicing에 의해 5개 혹은 6개의 exons을 갖는 two isoforms이 생긴다. 반면에 PLP-C${\gamma}$는 exon2가 alternative splcing이 되면서 7개의 exons을 갖거나 6개의 exons을 갖는 isoforms을 만든다. 그리고, PLP-C${\gamma}$의 promoter activity를 trophoblast Rcho-l${\gamma}$ 세포주를 이용하여 PLP-C${\gamma}$ 의 1.5 kb 5'-flanking 지역이 trophoblast-specific promoter activity를 갖고 있음을 밝혔다. PLP-C${\gamma}$ 유전자의 transcription start site는 Primer extension에 의해 밝혔다. 제 1차 년도의 연구결과를 토대로, 2차년에서는 다음단계의 연구를 수행하고자 한다. 즉, 1) mPsx2와 rPsx3의 promoter를 비교분석 함으로서 mouse와 rat에서 Psx 유전자가 다르게 조절되는 메카니즘 규명, 2) Psx와 PLP-C 유전자의 promoter에 있는 cis-acting elements 탐색, 3) Psx2와 Psx3의 단백질을 이용하여 이들이 binding하는 target sequence 규명, 4) 제작한 Psx2 targeting vector를 이용하여 ES cells에서 Psx2 유전자 knock-out, 5) Psx 유전자를 과발현시키는 세포주를 만들고 Psx에 의해 조절되는 유전자 탐색, 6) 새로 밝히 PLP-C members 유전자들의 조절기전을 Rcho-1 세포주를 이용하여 여러 거지 성장인자와 다른 호르몬에 대한 반응을 탐색, 7) Psx와 PLP-C${\gamma}$ 유전자의 chromosomal mapping 등을 밝힐 것이다.

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The Value of Interleukin-12 as an Activity Marker of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis (폐유육종증의 활동성 지표로서 IL-12의 효용성에 관한 연구)

  • Kim, Tae-Hyung;Jeon, Yong-Gam;Shim, Tae-Sun;Lim, Chae-Man;Koh, Yun-Suck;Lee, Sang-Do;Kim, Woo-Sung;Kim, Won-Dong;Kim, Dong-Soon
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.46 no.2
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    • pp.215-228
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    • 1999
  • Background: Sarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous inflammatory disease of unknown etiology often involving the lungs and intrathoracic lymph nodes. The natural course of sarcoidosis is variable from spontaneous remission to significant morbidity or death. But, the mechanisms causing the variable clinical outcomes or any single parameter to predict the prognosis was not known. In sarcoidosis, the number and the activity of CD4 + lymphocytes are significantly increased at the loci of disease and their oligoclonality suggests that the CD4 + lymphocytes hyperreactivity may be caused by persistent antigenic stimulus. Recently, it has been known that CD4+ lymphocytes can be subdivided into 2 distinct population(Th1 and Th2) defined by the spectrum of cytokines produced by these cells. Th1 cells promote cellular immunity associated with delayed type hypersensitivity reactions by generating IL-2 and IFN-$\gamma$. Th2 cells playa role in allergic responses and immediate hypersensitivity reactions by secreting IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10. CD4+ lymphocytes in pulmonary sarcoidosis were reported to be mainly Th1 cells. IL-12 has been known to play an important role in differentiation of undifferentiated naive T cells to Th1 cells. And, Moller et al. observed increased IL-12 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) in patients with sarcoidosis. So it is possible that the elevated level of IL-12 is necessary for the continuous progression of the disease in active sarcoidosis. This study was performed to test the assumption that IL-12 can be a marker of active pulmonary sarcoidosis. Methods: We measured the concentration of IL-12 in BALF and in conditioned medium of alveolar macrophage(AM) using ELISA(enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method in 26 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis(10 males, 16 females, mean age: $39.8{\pm}2.1$ years) and 11 normal control. Clinically, 14 patients had active sarcoidosis and 12 patients had inactive. Results: Total cells counts, percentage and number of lymhocytes, number of AM and CD4/CD8 lymphocyte ratio in BALF were significantly higher in patients with sarcoidosis than in control group. But none of these parameters could differentiate active sarcoidosis from inactive disease. The concentration of IL-12 in BALF was significantly increased in sarcoidosis patients ($49.3{\pm}9.2$ pg/ml) than in normal control ($2.5{\pm}0.4$ pg/ml) (p<0.001). Moreover it was significantly higher in patients with active sarcoidosis ($70.3{\pm}14.8$ pg/ml) than in inactive disease ($24.8{\pm}3.l$ pg/ml) (p=0.001). Also, the concentration of IL-12 in BALF showed significant correlation with the percentage of AM(p<0.001), percentage(p<0.001) and number of lymphocyte(p<0.001) in BALF, suggesting the close relationship between the level of IL-12 in BALF and the inflammatory cell infiltration in the lungs. Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between the level of IL-12 and the concentration of soluble ICAM-1 : in serum(p<0.001) and BALF (p=0.001), and also between IL-12 level and ICAM-1 expression of AM(p<0.001). The AM from patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis secreted significantly larger amount of IL-12 ($206.2{\pm}61.9$ pg/ml) than those of control ($68.3{\pm}43.7$ pg/ml) (p<0.008), but, there was no difference between inactive and active disease group. Conclusion : Our data suggest that the BALF IL-12 level can be used as a marker of the activity of pulmonary sarcoidosis.

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