• BMB Reports
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• 제35권3호
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• pp.348-351
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• 2002

AquI DNA methyltransferase, M.AquI, catalyses the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosyl-L-methionine to the C5 position of the outermost deoxycytidine base in the DNA sequence 5'CYCGRG3'. M.AquI is encoded by two overlapping ORFs (termed $\alpha$ and $\beta$) instead of the single ORF that is customary for Class II methyltransferase genes. The structural organization of the M.AquI protein sequence is quite similar to that of other bacterial C5-DNA methyltransferases. Ten conserved motifs are also present in the correct order, but only on two polypeptides. We separately subcloned the genes that encode the $\alpha$ and $\beta$ subunits of M.AquI into expression vectors. The overexpressed His-fusion $\alpha$ and $\beta$ subunits of the enzyme were purified to homogeneity in a single step by Nickel-chelate affinity chromatography. The purified recombinant proteins were assayed for biological activity by an in vitro DNA tritium transfer assay. The $\alpha$ and $\beta$ subunits of M.AquI alone have no DNA methyltransferase activity, but when both subunits are included in the assay, an active enzyme that catalyses the transfer of the methyl group from S-adenosyl-L-methionine to DNA is reconstituted. We also showed that the $\beta$ subunit alone contains all of the information that is required to generate recognition of specific DNA duplexes in the absence of the $\alpha$ subunit.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.161-166
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• 2009

Human erythropoietin(EPO) is a glycoprotein that enhances red blood cell production by stimulating proliferation and differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. Patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD) suffer from anemia caused by reduced production of EPO in the kidney. Recombinant human EPO protein has been used successfully for the treatment of anemia associated with CKD. Recently, attention has been paid to the development of side effect of EPO, pure red cell aplasia(PRCA), in some patients with CKD. PRCA is a rare disorder of erythropoiesis that leads to a severe anemia due to an almost complete cessation of red blood cell production. EPO-related PRCA is caused by the production of EPO-neutralizing antibodies(Abs) that eliminate the biological activity of EPO as well as endogenous EPO in patients undergoing therapy. Since 1988, almost 200 cases worldwide have been reported with Ab-positive PRCA after receiving EPO therapeutics. The underlying mechanisms of the breaking of immune tolerance to self-EPO have been investigated. Modification of formulation, organic compounds of container closures, and route of administration has been suggested for the possible mechanism of increased immunogenicity of EPO. A number of assays have been used to detect Abs specific to EPO. These assays are generally grouped into two major categories: binding Ab assays and neutralizing Ab assays(bioassays). There are several types of binding Ab assays, including radioimmunoprecipitation assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the BIAcore biosensor assay. In vitro cell-based bioassays have been utilized for the detection of neutralizing Abs. Finally, the recent experience with anti-EPO Abs may have considerable implications for the future development and approval of EPO preparations. Also, considering that millions of patients are being treated with EPO, clinicians need to be aware of signs and consequences of this rare but severe clinical case.

• 한국수산과학회지
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• 제50권2호
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• pp.169-174
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• 2017

Immunoglobulin M (IgM) was purified from olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus sera using mannan-binding protein (MBP) and protein L affinity columns (designated as MBPIgM and ProLIgM, respectively). A monoclonal antibody (MAb) against olive flounder IgM was produced. The MBPIgM and ProLIgM had apparent molecular weights of 77, 73, and 28 kDa in SDS-PAGE. Nine hybridomas secreting MAbs against olive flounder IgM were established: five MAbs for MBPIgM (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) and four for ProLIgM (6, 7, 8, and 9). Western blotting indicated that seven MAbs recognized heavy (H; MAbs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) chains and one recognized light (L; MAb 9) chains of IgM, while MAb 8 did not recognize IgM. The results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with bovine serum albumin (BSA, antigen) and the nine MAbs revealed that the optical density (OD) values of sera differed significantly between BSA- and non-immunized fish, despite some sera from non-immunized fish with slight high OD values. These results suggest that the MAbs produced in this study reacted specifically with the IgM from olive flounder.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제22권5호
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• pp.721-728
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• 2012

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer in developing countries. Rapid diagnosis and initiation of treatment of the HPV infection are critical. Various methods have been employed to reduce the immunogenicity of antibodies targeting HPV serotypes. Nanobodies are the smallest fragments of naturally occurring single-domain antibodies with their antigen-binding site compromised into a single domain. Nanobodies have remarkable properties such as high stability, solubility, and high homology to the human VH3 domain. In this study, a phagemid library was employed to enrich for nanobodies against the L1 protein of the human papilloma virus. Binding reactivity of the selected clones was evaluated using phage enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (phage-ELISA). Finally, two nanobodies (sm5 and sm8) with the best reactivity against the Gardasil vaccine and the purified HPV-16 L1 protein were expressed and purified using a $Ni^+$-NTA column. The accuracy of expression and purification of the nanobodies was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting assays. In vitro studies demonstrated that neutralization was achieved by the selected nanobodies. The ease of generation and unique features of these molecules make nanobodies promising molecules for the new generation of HPV diagnosis and therapy.

• 미생물학회지
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• 제50권3호
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• pp.239-244
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• 2014

ErmSF는 macrolide 항생물질인 tylosin을 생성하는 Streptomyces fradiae가 보유한 4개의 항생제 내성인자 단백질 중 하나로 23S rRNA의 $A_{2058}$에 dimethylation 시킴으로써 항생제가 부착되는 것을 막음으로써 그 내성을 일으킨다. ErmSF는 다른 Erm 단백질과는 달리 긴 N-terminal end region을 가지고 있어서 그 역할을 알아보기 위해 1-38번째의 아미노산을 제거한 결손변이 단백질을 고안하고 대장균에서 발현하여 그 활성을 in vivo와 in vitro에서 관찰하였다. 결손변이 단백질을 발현하는 대장균은 결손에 의한 활성저하에 기인하여 야생형 단백질을 발현하는 대장균에 비하여 항생제에 대한 내성이 손상된 것을 관찰하였다. 세포 외 in vitro에서의 활성은 야생형 ErmSF에 비하여 약 20%가 손상된 것으로 나타났다. 이렇게 관찰된 활성의 저하는 결손 변이에 의한 활성화 부위에서 일어난 결손에 의한 것이라기 보다는 기질의 부착 또는 생성물의 효소에서의 이탈 과정이 손상되어서 나타나는 것으로 사료된다.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• 제47권1호
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• pp.1-8
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• 2022

Inflammation is a protective mechanism against pathogens, but if maintained continuously, it destroys tissue structures. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is a gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacterium often found in severe periodontitis. A. actinomycetemcomitans invades epithelial cells and triggers inflammatory response in the immune cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of water-soluble rosehip extract on A. actinomycetemcomitans-induced inflammatory responses. A human monocytic cell line (THP-1) was differentiated to macrophages by phorbol 12-mystristate 13-acetate treatment. The cytotoxic effect of extract was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The effects of extract on bacterial growth were examined by measuring the optical densities using a spectrophotometer. THP-1-derived macrophages were infected A. actinomycetemcomitans after extract treatment, and culture supernatants were analyzed for cytokine production using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protein expression was measured by western blotting. Extract was not toxic to THP-1-derived macrophages. A. actinomycetemcomitans growth was inhibited by 1% extract. The extract suppressed A. actinomycetemcomitans-induced tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-8 production. It also decreased mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) phosphorylation. Moreover, the extract inhibited the expression of inflammasome components, including nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3, Absent in Melanoma 2, and apoptosis associated speck-like protein containing a CARD. And cysteine-aspartic proteases-1 and IL-1β expression were decreased by the extract. In summary, extract suppressed A. actinomycetemcomitans growth and decreased inflammatory cytokine production by inhibiting activation of MAP kinase, NF-κB, and inflammasome signaling. Rosehip extract could be effective in the treatment of periodontal inflammation induced by A. actinomycetemcomitans infection.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제20권7호
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• pp.1005-1011
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• 2010

$\gamma$-aminobutyric acid (GABA)는 중추신경계에서 억제성으로 작용하는 주요한 신경전달물질이다. GABA 수송체(GAT)는 연접간격에 존재하는 GABA를 세포 내로 재 흡수하여 GABA의 농도를 조절한다. 그런데 GABA 수송체가 어떻게 조절되는지는 아직 밝혀지지 않았다. 본 연구에서는 효모 two-hybrid system을 사용하여 뇌의 주요 GABA 수송체인 GAT1의 C-말단과 특이적으로 결합하는 ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (Usp14)를 분리하였다. Usp14는 GABA 수송체 GAT1및 GAT2와는 결합하지만, 다른 GAT isoform과는 결합하지 않았다. GAT1과의 결합에는 Usp14의 C-말단부위가 필수적으로 관여함을 확인하였다. 또한 이 단백질간의 결합을 GST pull-down assay로 확인하였으며, 생쥐 뇌 균질액의 co-immunoprecipitation을 통하여 in vivo에서도 GAT1과 Usp14가 결합함을 확인하였다. 이러한 결과들은 Usp14가 GAT1과 결합하여 세포막에 존재하는 GAT1의 수를 조절하는 역할을 할 가능성을 시사한다.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제13권6호
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• pp.926-936
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• 2003

Overexpression of human Bcl-2 protein in recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (rCHO) cells producing humanized antibody (SH2-0.32) considerably suppressed sodium butyrate (NaBu)-induced apoptosis during batch culture by using commercially available serum-free medium, which extended the culture longevity. Due to the extended culture longevity provided by the anti-apoptotic effect of Bcl-2 overexpression, the final antibody concentration of 14C6-bcl-2 culture (Bcl-2 high producer, $23\;\mu\textrm{g}\;ml^{-1}$) was 2 times higher than that of the $SH2-0.32-{\Delta}bcl-2$ culture (cells transfected with bcl-2-deficient plasmid, $10.5\;\mu\textrm{g}\;ml^{-1}$) in the presence of NaBu. To determine the effect of NaBu/Bcl-2 overexpression on the molecular integrity of protein products, antibodies purified from 14C6-bcl-2 and $SH2-0.32-{\Delta}bcl-2$ cultures in the presence of NaBu were characterized by using various molecular assay systems. For comparison, antibody purified from the parental rCHO cell culture (SH2-0.32) in the absence of NaBu was also characterized. No significant changes in molecular weight of antibodies could be observed by SDS-PAGE. From GlycoSep-N column analysis, it was found that the core oligosaccharide structure ($GlcNAc_2Man_3GlcNAc_2$) was not affected by NaBu/Bcl-2 overexpression, while the microheterogeneity of N-linked oligosaccharide structure was slightly affected. Compared with the antibody produced in the absence of NaBu, the proportion of neutral oligosaccharides was increased from 10% (14C6-bcl-2) to 16% ($SH2-0.32-{\Delta}bcl-2$) in the presence of NaBu, which was accompanied by the reduced proportion of acidic oligosaccharides, especially of monosialylated and disialylated forms. The changes in microheterogeneous oligoformal structures of antibody in turn affected the mobility of antibody isoforms in isoelectric focusing (IEF), resulting in the occurrence of some more basic antibody isoforms produced in the presence of NaBu. However, the antigen-antibody binding properties were not changed by alteration of glycosylation pattern. The competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that the antibody produced by NaBu/Bcl-2 overexpression maintained its antigen-antibody binding properties with binding affinity of about $2.5{\times}10^9{\;}M^{-1}$. Taken together, no significant effects of NaBu/Bcl-2 overexpression on the molecular integrity of antibodies, produced by using serum-free medium, could be observed by the molecular assay systems.

• BMB Reports
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• 제30권5호
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• pp.308-314
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• 1997

We investigated biotinylation of nitrocellulose membrane for immuno-filtration capture assay. In order to enhance the efficiency of biotinylation, nitrocellulose membranes were pretreated with several chemicals for the purpose of suitable protein absorption through surface modification. As a signal generating enzyme, urease was used and the concentration of avidin was optimized for the efficient binding kinetics between urease-biotin in liquid phase and biotinylated membrane in solid phase. For effective biotinylation, bovine serum albumin-biotin complexes could be immobilized at a concentration of $370\;{\mu}g$/stick ($4.4\;cm^2$). Among tested chemicals, polylysine (0.25%) showed a significant effect in biotinylation. Polylysine is thought to enhance surface area by extending unbound residues into solution. Time of treatment over 30 min and higher molecular weight of polylysines (58,100 dalton) showed positive effect on the enhancement of biotinylation. The result from this study may be useful for developing a new biosensor and other biofunctional membranes for examining molecular recognition.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제23권8호
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• pp.1047-1054
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• 2013

Witches' broom of lime is a disease caused by Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia, which represents the most significant global threat to the production of lime trees (Citrus aurantifolia). Conventional disease management strategies have shown little success, and new approaches based on genetic engineering need to be considered. The expression of recombinant antibodies and fragments thereof in plant cells is a powerful approach that can be used to suppress plant pathogens. We have developed a single-chain variable fragment antibody (scFvIMP6) against the immunodominant membrane protein (IMP) of witches' broom phytoplasma and expressed it in different plant cell compartments. We isolated scFvIMP6 from a naïve scFv phage display library and expressed it in bacteria to demonstrate its binding activity against both recombinant IMP and intact phytoplasma cells. The expression of scFvIMP6 in plants was evaluated by transferring the scFvIMP6 cDNA to plant expression vectors featuring constitutive or phloem specific promoters in cassettes with or without secretion signals, therefore causing the protein to accumulate either in the cytosol or apoplast. All constructs were transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana by agroinfiltration, and antibodies of the anticipated size were detected by immunoblotting. Plant-derived scFvIMP6 was purified by affinity chromatography, and specific binding to recombinant IMP was demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our results indicate that scFvIMP6 binds with high activity and can be used for the detection of Ca. Phytoplasma aurantifolia and is also a suitable candidate for stable expression in lime trees to suppress witches' broom of lime.