• 대한핵의학회지
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• 제38권1호
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• pp.99-108
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• 2004

목적: 생체 내로 이식한 신경 줄기 세포의 이동과 증식을 비침습적으로 추적하는 것은 기초와 임상에서 중요한 것으로 알려져 있다. 신경줄기 세포주(F3)를 생체내로 이식 후, 비침습적으로 추적하기 위해 사람의 hNIS 유전자를 F3 세포에 안정적으로 형질 도입하여 세포 배양 시간 및 조건에 따른 F3-NIS 세포 내에서 hNIS 유전자의 발현 변화를 알아보았다. 방법: HB1.F3는 태아 종뇌에서 신경 줄기 세포를 분리한 후 v-myc유전자로 불멸화한 신경줄기 세포주이다. CMV 프로모터 조절 받도록 hNIS와 하이그로마이신 저항 유전자를 IRES(internal ribosomal entry site)를 이용하여 재조합하였다(pIRES-NIS/Hyg). pIRES-NIS/Hyg를 리포좀을 이용하여 HB1.F3 세포를 형질전환 하였다. 탈메틸화시약(5-Azacytidine)와 히스톤탈아실화효소저해제(trichostatin; TSA)을 세포주에 24시간 처리한 후, hNIS 발현을 I-125 섭취율과 역전사효소 중합효소연쇄반응(RT-PCR)으고 측정하였다. 결과: pIRES-NIS/Hyg 재조합 유전자를 HB1.F3에 형질도입 후, 2주 동안 하이그로마이신 B를 처리해 hNIS 유전자를 안정적으로 발현하는 HB1.F3 세포를 얻었다(F3-NIS III). I-125 섭취율은 HB1.F3에 비해 F3-NIS가 12.9배 높았으며, $KClO_4$를 처리 했을 때 F3-NIS의 I-125 섭취가 완전히 저해되었다. F3-NIS를 계대 배양하면 hNIS 유전자의 발현이 1.9배 까지 서서히 감소하였다. 5-Azacytidine과 TSA를 F3-NIS에 24시간 처리한 결과, I-125 섭취율이 5-Azacytidine과 TSA 농도에 따라 증가되었다. 또한 같은 방법으로 F3-NIS 세포에 5-Azacytidine과 TSA를 처리한 후 hNIS 프라이머로 RT-PCR을 수행한 결과 hNIS mRNA가 농도에 따라 증가 되었다. 결론: hNIS 유전자 이입된 F3 세포는 계대 배양하는 동안 생물학적인 특성이 변화되는 것으로 관찰되었으며, 이는 줄기 세포에 이입된 외래 유전자의 발현이 DNA 탈메틸화나 히스혼아세틸화를 통한 에피지네틱 조율 때문이라고 생각한다.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제37권4호
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• pp.269-279
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• 2013

Low efficiency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is attributed to incomplete reprogramming of transfered nuclei into oocytes. Trichostatin A (TSA), histone deacetylase inhibitor and 5-aza-2'deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC), DNA methylation inhibitor has been used to enhance nuclear reprogramming following SCNT. However, it was not known molecular mechanism by which TSA and 5-aza-dC improve preimplantation embryo and fetal development following SCNT. The present study investigates embryo viability and gene expression of cloned porcine preimplantation embryos in the presence and absence of TSA and 5-aza-dC as compared to embryos produced by parthenogenetic activation. Our results indicated that TSA treatment significantly improved development. However 5-aza-dC did not improve development. Presence of TSA and 5-aza-dC significantly improved total cell number, and also decreased the apoptotic and autophagic index. Three apoptotic-related genes, Bak, Bcl-xL, and Caspase 3 (Casp3), and three autophagic-related genes, ATG6, ATG8, and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2), were measured by real time RT-PCR. TSA and 5-aza-dC treatment resulted in high expression of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-xL and low pro-apoptotic gene Bak expression compared to untreated NT embryos or parthenotes. Furthermore, LC3 protein expression was lower in NT-TSA and NT-5-aza-dC embryos than those of NT and parthenotes. In addition, TSA and 5-aza-dC treated embryos displayed a global acetylated histone H3 at lysine 9 and methylated DNA H3 at lysine 9 profile similar to the parthenogenetic blastocysts. Finally, we determined that several DNA methyltransferase genes Dnmt1, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b. NT blastocysts showed higher levels Dnmt1 than those of the TSA and 5-aza-dC blastocysts. Dnmt3a is lower in 5-aza-dC than NT, NTTSA and parthenotes. However, Dnmt3b is higher in 5-aza-dC than NT and NTTSA. These results suggest that TSA and 5-aza-dC positively regulates nuclear reprogramming which result in modulation of apoptosis and autophagy related gene expression and then reduce apoptosis and autophagy. In addition, TSA and 5-aza-dC affects the acetylated and methylated status of the H3K9.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권9호
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• pp.3817-3825
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• 2015

Background: The human protein methyl-transferase DOT1L catalyzes the methylation of histone H3 on lysine 79 (H3K79) at homeobox genes and is also involved in a number of significant processes ranging from gene expression to DNA-damage response and cell cycle progression. Inhibition of DOT1L activity by shRNA or small-molecule inhibitors has been established to prevent proliferation of various MLL-rearranged leukemia cells in vitro, establishing DOT1L an attractive therapeutic target for mixed lineage leukemia (MLL). Most of the drugs currently in use for the MLL treatment are reported to have low efficacy, hence this study focused on various natural compounds which exhibit minimal toxic effects and high efficacy for the target receptor. Materials and Methods: Structures of human protein methyl-transferase DOT1L and natural compound databases were downloaded from various sources. Virtual screening, molecular docking, dynamics simulation and drug likeness studies were performed for those natural compounds to evaluate and analyze their anti-cancer activity. Results: The top five screened compounds possessing good binding affinity were identified as potential high affinity inhibitors against DOT1L's active site. The top ranking molecule amongst the screened ligands had a Glide g-score of -10.940 kcal/mol and Glide e-model score of -86.011 with 5 hydrogen bonds and 12 hydrophobic contacts. This ligand's behaviour also showed consistency during the simulation of protein-ligand complex for 20000 ps, which is indicative of its stability in the receptor pocket. Conclusions: The ligand obtained out of this screening study can be considered as a potential inhibitor for DOT1L and further can be treated as a lead for the drug designing pipeline.

• 약학회지
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• 제49권6호
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• pp.511-517
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• 2005

Low sensitivity to anticancer drugs such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been associated with decreased expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis. Recently, it has been shown that the expression levels of some of these genes are reduced by transcription inhibition due to epigenetic silencing on CpG islands. Therefore, epigenetic therapy has been proposed, where epigenetic silencing is repressed with DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents. The aim of our study was to evaluate the combination effect of 5-FU and its association with the status of epigenetic silencing using methylation-specific PCR of $p14^{ARF}$ when given with S-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC), a DNMT inhibitor and depsipeptide, an HDAC inhibitor in DLD-1 human colorectal cancer cells. The combination of 5-aza-dC with depsipeptide showed a synergism and induced unmethylation of $p14^{ARF}$. However, triplet combination of 5-aza-dc/depsipeptide and 5-FU resulted in antagonistic effects and abrogated unmethylation of $p14^{ARF}$. These results suggest that unfavorable interaction of 5-aza-dC/depsipeptide with 5-FU in DLD-1 cells may be related with the failure in repression of epigenetic silencing, which warrants further investigation.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
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• 제23권3호
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• pp.255-262
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• 2019

Previously, we reported negative effects of low-dose nonylphenol (NP) exposure on the reproductive organs of F1 male mice. In the present study was further investigated the endocrine disrupting effect of NP exposure to F2 generation male mice. Mice were divided into 2 groups; (1) CON, control animals and (2) NP-50 ($50{\mu}g/L$), animals were treated with NP via drinking water. NP exposures were continuously conducted from parental pre-mating period until the postnatal day (PND) 55 of F2 offsprings. Mice were sacrificed on PND 55 and the reproductive tissue weights were measured. The initial (at PND 21) and terminal (PND 55) body weights of the NP-50 group animals were not significantly different from those of control group animals. NP exposure fail to induce a significant weight change of the testes, seminal vesicle and prostate except absolute epididymal weight (p<0.05). However, pathohistological studies revealed that NP-treated F2 animals showed evident decrease in seminiferous tubule diameters, reduced luminal area and number of germ cells. Also, sloughing morphologies in the tubules were notable. In the caudal epididymis, fewer mature sperms and swollen epithelial cells were found in the NP-treated group. The present study demonstrated that the subchronic low-dose NP exposure induced pathohistological abnormalities in testis and epididymis of F2 mice, and we assumed that these 'qualitative' changes in reproductive tissues could be derived from the epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modification, altered DNA accessibility and chromatin structure. Further studies are needed to achieve a better understanding on the multi- or trans-generational effects of NP on the reproductive health and a human application.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제45권4호
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• pp.202-215
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• 2022

The androgen receptor (AR) is an important therapeutic target for treating prostate cancer (PCa). Moreover, there is an increasing need for understanding the AR-independent progression of tumor cells such as neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). Menin, which is encoded by multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), serves as a direct link between AR and the mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) complex in PCa development by activating AR target genes through histone H3 lysine 4 methylation. Although menin is a critical component of AR signaling, its tumorigenic role in AR-independent PCa cells remains unknown. Here, we compared the role of menin in AR-positive and AR-negative PCa cells via RNAi-mediated or pharmacological inhibition of menin. We demonstrated that menin was involved in tumor cell growth and metastasis in PCa cells with low or deficient levels of AR. The inhibition of menin significantly diminished the growth of PCa cells and induced apoptosis, regardless of the presence of AR. Additionally, transcriptome analysis showed that the expression of many metastasis-associated genes was perturbed by menin inhibition in AR-negative DU145 cells. Furthermore, wound-healing assay results showed that menin promoted cell migration in AR-independent cellular contexts. Overall, these findings suggest a critical function of menin in tumorigenesis and provide a rationale for drug development against menin toward targeting high-risk metastatic PCa, especially those independent of AR.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제65권4호
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• pp.172-181
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• 2022

Pubertal onset is known to result from reactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which is controlled by complex interactions of genetic and nongenetic factors. Most cases of precocious puberty (PP) are diagnosed as central PP (CPP), defined as premature activation of the HPG axis. The cause of CPP in most girls is not identifiable and, thus, referred to as idiopathic CPP (ICPP), whereas boys are more likely to have an organic lesion in the brain. ICPP has a genetic background, as supported by studies showing that maternal age at menarche is associated with pubertal timing in their offspring. A gain of expression in the kisspeptin gene (KISS1), gain-of-function mutation in the kisspeptin receptor gene (KISS1R), loss-of-function mutation in makorin ring finger protein 3 (MKRN3), and loss-of-function mutations in the delta-like homolog 1 gene (DLK1) have been associated with ICPP. Other genes, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-1 (GABRA1), lin-28 homolog B (LIN28B), neuropeptide Y (NPYR), tachykinin 3 (TAC3), and tachykinin receptor 3 (TACR3), have been implicated in the progression of ICPP, although their relationships require elucidation. Environmental and socioeconomic factors may also be correlated with ICPP. In the progression of CPP, epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation, histone posttranslational modifications, and non-coding ribonucleic acids may mediate the relationship between genetic and environmental factors. CPP is correlated with short- and long-term adverse health outcomes, which forms the rationale for research focusing on understanding its genetic and nongenetic factors.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• 제52권6호
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• pp.437-454
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• 2022

Embryonic stem cells have been a popular research topic in regenerative medicine owing to their pluripotency and applicability. However, due to the difficulty in harvesting them and their low yield efficiency, advanced cell reprogramming technology has been introduced as an alternative. Dental stem cells have entered the spotlight due to their regenerative potential and their ability to be obtained from biological waste generated after dental treatment. Cell reprogramming, a process of reverting mature somatic cells into stem cells, and transdifferentiation, a direct conversion between different cell types without induction of a pluripotent state, have helped overcome the shortcomings of stem cells and raised interest in their regenerative potential. Furthermore, the potential of these cells to return to their original cell types due to their epigenetic memory has reinforced the need to control the epigenetic background for successful management of cellular differentiation. Herein, we discuss all available sources of dental stem cells, the procedures used to obtain these cells, and their ability to differentiate into the desired cells. We also introduce the concepts of cell reprogramming and transdifferentiation in terms of genetics and epigenetics, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA. Finally, we discuss a novel therapeutic avenue for using dental-derived cells as stem cells, and explain cell reprogramming and transdifferentiation, which are used in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제24권11호
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• pp.1252-1257
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• 2014

DMSO는 배양포유류세포 동결보존의 동결보호제로써 일반적으로 사용 되어져 왔지만, DNA 메틸화 및 히스톤의 수식에 의해 일부 세포에서는 분화를 일으키는 것으로도 알려져 있다. 동결보존시의 배양세포의 안정된 분화형질유지에는 메틸화를 일으키는 DMSO 이외의 동결보호제의 사용이 필요하다. 세포독성이 낮고, 동물정자동결보존에 효과적인 것으로 알려진 아미도 화합물이 동일하게 포유류의 배양세포의 동결보존에서 동결보호작용이 있는지를(8종류의 아미드 화합물) 배양 마우스 혈관내피세포를 이용해 조사했다. 조사한 아미드 화합물 중에 아세트아미드와 락트아미드의 2종류가 배양세포에 대해서 동결보호작용이 있고, 가장 효과적인 것은 농도가 1.5 M의 락트아미드이다. 배양세포의 동결보존에 관해서는 삼투압 스트레스를 받지 않을 필요가 있기 때문에, 1.5 M 락트아미드 용액을 제작 시, 용매를 각 희석율의 PBS로 하고, 삼투압을 바꾼 동결 보존액에 동결세포의 생존율을 조사했다. 그 결과, 0.4배 농도의 PBS가 삼투압 스트레스를 가장 낮고 생존율이 가장 높음을 확인했다. 동결보존배지에 고 분자량재료를 첨가하면 세포생존율이 개선되는 것이 알려져 있기 때문에 BSA, HES, 데키스트란의 효과를 조사했다. 그 결과, 락트아미드를 이용한 동결보존배지는 $0.4{\times}PBS$를 이용한 1.5 M 락트아미드용액에 1%의 BSA를 첨가한 경우, DMSO의 동결보호작용에 필적하는 동결보호작용을 나타내는 것을 확인했다.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권23호
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• pp.10439-10444
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• 2015

Many chemotherapeutic agents have been successfully used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the development of chemoresistance in liver cancer cells usually results in a relapse and worsening of prognosis. It has been demonstrated that DNA methylation and histone modification play crucial roles in chemotherapy resistance. Currently, extensive research has shown that there is another potential mechanism of gene expression control, which is mediated through the function of short noncoding RNAs, especially for microRNAs (miRNAs), but little is known about their roles in cancer cell drug resistance. In present study, by taking advantage of miRNA effects on the resistance of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells line to cisplatin, it has been demonstrated that miR-340 were significantly downregulated whereas Nrf2 was upregulated in HepG2/CDDP (cisplatin) cells, compared with parental HepG2 cells. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assays of Nrf2-3'-untranslated region-based reporter constructor indicated that Nrf2 was the direct target gene of miR-340, miR-340 mimics suppressing Nrf2-dependent antioxidant pathway and enhancing the sensitivity of HepG2/CDDP cells to cisplatin. Interestingly, transfection with miR-340 mimics combined with miR-340 inhibitors reactivated the Nrf2 related pathway and restored the resistance of HepG2/CDDP cells to CDDP. Collectively, the results first suggested that lower expression of miR-340 is involved in the development of CDDP resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, at least partly due to regulating Nrf2-dependent antioxidant pathway.