• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.370-379
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• 2020

Econazole, a potent broad-spectrum antifungal agent and a Ca²⁺ channel antagonist, induces cytotoxicity in leukemia cells and is used for the treatment of skin infections. However, little is known about its cytotoxic effects on solid tumor cells. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying econazole-induced toxicity in vitro and evaluated its regulatory effect on the metastasis of gastric cancer cells. Using the gastric cancer cell lines AGS and SNU1 expressing wild-type p53 we demonstrated that econazole could significantly reduce cell viability and colony-forming (tumorigenesis) ability. Econazole induced G0/G1 phase arrest, promoted apoptosis, and effectively blocked proliferation- and survival-related signal transduction pathways in gastric cancer cells. In addition, econazole inhibited the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase- 2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9, which degrade the extracellular matrix and basement membrane. Econazole also effectively inhibited the metastasis of gastric cancer cells, as confirmed from cell invasion and wound healing assays. The protein level of p53 was significantly elevated after econazole treatment of AGS and SNU1 cells. However, apoptosis was blocked in econazole-treated cells exposed to a p53-specific small-interfering RNA to eliminate p53 expression. These results provide evidence that econazole could be repurposed to induce gastric cancer cell death and inhibit cancer invasion.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.13-17
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• 2009

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays an important role in angiogenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms are not clear. $Mg^{2+}$ is the most abundant intracellular divalent cation in the body and plays critical roles in many cell functions. We investigated the effect of bFGF on the intracellular $Mg^{2+}$ concentration ($[Mg^{2+}]_i$) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). bFGF increased ($[Mg^{2+}]_i$) in a dose-dependent manner, independent of extracellular $Mg^{2+}$. This bFGF-induced $[Mg^{2+}]_i$ increase was blocked by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (tyrphostin A-23 and genistein), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors (wortmannin and LY294002) and a phospholipase $C{\gamma}$ ($PLC{\gamma}$) inhibitor (U73122). In contrast, mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors (SB202190 and PD98059) did not affect the bFGF-induced $[Mg^{2+}]_i$ increase. These results suggest that bFGF increases the $[Mg^{2+}]_i$ from the intracellular $Mg^{2+}$ stores through the tyrosine kinase/PI3K/$PLC{\gamma}$-dependent signaling pathways.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.39 no.12
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• pp.869-876
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• 2016

Cantharidin (CTD) is an active compound isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine blister beetle and displayed anticancer properties against various types of cancer cells. However, little is known about its effect on human chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells, including imatinib-resistant CML cells. The objective of this study was to investigate whether CTD could overcome imatinib resistance in imatinib-resistant CML cells and to explore the possible underlying mechanisms associated with the effect. Our results showed that CTD strongly inhibited the growth of both imatinib-sensitive and imatinib-resistant CML cells. CTD induced cell cycle arrest at mitotic phase and triggered DNA damage in CML cells. The ATM/ATR inhibitor CGK733 abrogated CTD-induced mitotic arrest but promoted the cytotoxic effects of CTD. In addition, we demonstrated that CTD downregulated the expression of the BCR-ABL protein and suppressed its downstream signal transduction. Real-time quantitative PCR revealed that CTD inhibited BCR-ABL at transcriptional level. Knockdown of BCR-ABL increased the cell-killing effects of CTD in K562 cells. These findings indicated that CTD overcomes imatinib resistance through depletion of BCR-ABL. Taken together, CTD is an important new candidate agent for CML therapy.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1995.04a
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• pp.81-81
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• 1995

It is well known that Src Homology 2(SH2) domain in many intracellular signal transduction proteins is very important. The domain has about 100 amino acid residues and bind phosphotyrosine-containing peptide with high affinity and specificity. Lck SH2 domain is a Src-like, lymphocyte-specific tyrosine kinase. An 11-residue phosphopeptide derived from the hamster polvoma middle-T antigen, EPQp YEEIPIYL, binds with an 1 nM dissociation constant to Lck SH2 domain. And it is known that the phosphotyrosine and isoleucine residues of the peptide are tightly bound by two well-defined pockets on Lck SH2 domain's surface. To investigate the conformational changes during complexation of SH2 domain with phosphopeptide we have performed the molecular dynamics simulation for Lck SH2 domain with peptide and peptide-free form at look in aqueous solution. More than 3000 water molecules were incorporated to solvate Lck SH2 domain and peptide. Periodic boundary condition has been applied in molecular dynamics simulation. Data analysis with the results of that simulation shows that the phosphopeptide makes primary interaction with the Lck SH2 domain at six central residues, The comparison of the complexed and uncomplexed SH2 domain structures in solution has revealed only relatively small change. But the hydrophilic and hydrophobic pockets in the protein surface show the conformational changes in spite of the small structural difference between the complex and peptide-free forms.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.166-171
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• 2013

While high-dose ionizing radiation results in long term cellular cytotoxicity, chronic low-dose (<0.2 Gy) of X- or ${\gamma}$-ray irradiation can be beneficial to living organisms by inducing radiation hormesis, stimulating immune function, and adaptive responses. During chronic low-dose-rate radiation (LDR) exposure, whole body of mice is exposed to radiation, however, it remains unclear if LDR causes changes in gene expression of the whole brain. Therefore, we aim to investigate expressed genes (EGs) and signaling pathways specifically regulated by LDR-irradiation ($^{137}Cs$, a cumulative dose of 1.7 Gy for total 100 days) in the whole brain. Using microarray analysis of whole brain RNA extracts harvested from ICR and AKR/J mice after LDR-irradiation, we discovered that two mice strains displayed distinct gene regulation patterns upon LDR-irradiation. In ICR mice, genes involved in ion transport, transition metal ion transport, and developmental cell growth were turned on while, in AKR/J mice, genes involved in sensory perception, cognition, olfactory transduction, G-protein coupled receptor pathways, inflammatory response, proteolysis, and base excision repair were found to be affected by LDR. We validated LDR-sensitive EGs by qPCR and confirmed specific upregulation of S100a7a, Olfr624, and Gm4868 genes in AKR/J mice whole brain. Therefore, our data provide the first report of genetic changes regulated by LDR in the mouse whole brain, which may affect several aspects of brain function.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.217-224
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• 2005

Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-l) based lentivirus vector has demonstrated great potential as gene therapy vectors mediating efficient gene delivery and long-term transgene expression in both dividing and nondividing cells. However, for clinical studies it must be confirmed that vector preparations are safe and not contaminated by replication competent lentivirus (RCL) related to the parental pathogenic virus, HIV-l. In this study, we would like to establish the method for titration and RCL detection of lentivirus vector. The titration was determined by vector expression containing the green fluorescent protein, GFP in transduced cells. The titer was $1{\times}10^7$ Transducing Unit/ml in the GFP expression assay and $8.9{\times}10^7$ molecules/ml in the real-time PCR. Also, for the detection of RCL, we have used a combination method of PCR and p24 antigen detection. First, PBS/psi and VSV-G region in the genomic DNA of transduced cells was detected by PCR assay. Second, transfer and expression of the HIV-1 gag gene was detected by p24 ELISA. In an attempt to amplify any RCL, the transduced cells were cultured for 3 weeks (amplification phase) and the supernatant of amplified transduced cell was used for the second transduction to determine whether a true RCL was present (indicator phase). Analysis of cells and supernatant at day 6 in indicator phase were negative for PBS/psi, VSV-G, and p24 antigen. These results suggest that they are not mobilized and therefore there are no RCL in amplification phase. Thus, real-time PCR is a reliable and sensitive method for titration and RCL detection of lentivirus vector.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.36-49
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• 1998

HERBA SAURURI (HS) has been known to use antiinflammatory drug. To investigated the mechanism of HS-induced NO synthesis, I evaluated the ability of protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors such as staurosporine (STSN) or polyymyxin B to block HS-induced effects. HS alone had only a small effect, whereas in combination with $rIFN-{\gamma}$, markedly increased NO synthesis in a dose dependent manner. STSN and polymyxin B decreased NO synthesis, which had been induced by $rIFN-{\gamma}$, plus HS. Furthermore, prolonged incubation of the cells with phorbol ester, which down-regulates PKC activity abolished synergistic cooperative effect of HS with $rIFN-{\gamma}$ on NO synthesis. STSN and Polymyxin B potently inhibited HS-induced $TNF-{\alpha}$ secretion by $rIFN-{\gamma}$ plus HS. However, $rIFN-{\gamma}$ plus $TNF-{\alpha}-induced$ NO synthesis was not blocked by STSN or polymyxin B. On the other hand, tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein, blocked the NO synthesis and $TNF-{\alpha}$ secretion by $rIFN-{\gamma}$ plus HS. In conlusion, the present results strongly suggest that the capacity of HS to increase NO synthesis from $rIFN-{\gamma}-primed$ macrophages is the result of HS-induced $TNF-{\alpha}$ secretion via the signal transduction pathway of PKC and tyrosine kinase.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.742-753
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• 2012

Copper-containing compounds are introduced into the environment through agricultural chemicals, mining, and metal industries and cause severe detrimental effects on ecosystems. Certain microorganisms exposed to these stressors exhibit molecular mechanisms to maintain intracellular copper homeostasis and avoid toxicity. We have previously reported that the soil bacterial isolate Achromobacter sp. AO22 is multi-heavy metal tolerant and exhibits a mer operon associated with a Tn21 type transposon. The present study reports that AO22 also hosts a unique cop locus encoding copper homeostasis determinants. The putative cop genes were amplified from the strain AO22 using degenerate primers based on reported cop and pco sequences, and a constructed 10,552 base pair contig (GenBank Accession No. GU929214). BLAST analyses of the sequence revealed a unique cop locus of 10 complete open reading frames, designated copSRABGOFCDK, with unusual separation of copCD from copAB. The promoter areas exhibit two putative cop boxes, and copRS appear to be transcribed divergently from other genes. The putative protein CopA may be a copper oxidase involved in export to the periplasm, CopB is likely extracytoplasmic, CopC may be periplasmic, CopD is cytoplasmic/inner membrane, CopF is a P-type ATPase, and CopG, CopO, and CopK are likely copper chaperones. CopA, B, C, and D exhibit several potential copper ligands and CopS and CopR exhibit features of two-component regulatory systems. Sequences flanking indicate the AO22 cop locus may be present within a genomic island. Achromobacter sp. strain AO22 is thus an ideal candidate for understanding copper homeostasis mechanisms and exploiting them for copper biosensor or biosorption systems.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.29 no.10
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• pp.890-897
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• 2006

In inflammatory responses, induction of cytokines and other immune regulator genes in macrophages by pathogen-associated signal such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plays a crucial role. In this study, the gene expression profile changes by LPS treatment in the macrophage/monocyte lineage cell line RAW264.7 was investigated. A 60-mer oligonucleotide microarray of which probes target 32381 mouse genes was used. A reverse transcription-in vitro translation labeling protocol and a chemileuminescence detection system were employed. The mRNA expression levels in RAW264.7 cells treated for 6 h with LPS and the control vehicle were compared. 747 genes were up-regulated and 523 genes were down-regulated by more than 2 folds. 320 genes showing more than 4-fold change by LPS treatment were further classified for the biological process, molecular function, and signaling pathway. The biological process categories that showed high number of increased genes include the immunity and defense, the nucleic acid metabolism, the protein metabolism and modification, and the signal transduction process. The chemokine-cytokine signaling, interleukin signaling, Toll receptor signaling, and apoptosis signaling pathways involved high number of genes differentially expressed in response to LPS. These expression profile data provide more comprehensive information on LPS-target genes in RAW264.7 cells, which will be useful in comparing gene expression changes induced by extracts and compounds from anti-inflammatory medicinal herbs.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.83-100
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• 2007

목적 : 쥐의 콜라겐 유도 관절염에 대한 유근피 추출액의 면역 반응 효과 및 그 기전을 살펴보고자 하였다. 방법 : 유근피 추출액의 면역 반응을 관찰하기 위하여 콜라겐 유도 관절염 쥐가 사용되었다. 실험에 쓰인 쥐 뒷다리의 부종 용적은 volume meter로 측정하였고, lymphocyte 증식, 표1, 표2 및 TNF-${\alpha}$ 레벨은 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolirun bromide(MTT) assay에의해 측정하였다. 활막세포의 cAMP 레벨은 경쟁적 단백 결합검사 (CPBA)를 통하여 측정하였다. 2형 콜라겐에 대한 항체는 효소면역 협착검사법(ELISA)을 반복 사용하여 측정하였다. 결과 : 실험에서 유근피 추출액( 20， 80, 150mg/kg, ig ${\times}$ 7days)의 시술은 면역 반응을 억제하고 콜라겐 유도관절염 쥐의 체중과 면역 기관의 무게를 유지하였다. 콜라겐 유도 관절염 쥐에서 림프구의 증식과 IL-2의 생산은 복막의 대식세포 및 활막세포의 IL-1 , TNF-${\alpha}$와 함께 증가하였고, 유근피 추출액 (20, 80, 150mg/kg, ig ${\times}$ 7days)의 시술은 이러한 변화를 유의성 있게 감소시켰다. 0.5, 2.5, 12.5, 62.5, 125mg/l 농도에서의 유근피 추출액은 활막세포의 cAMP 레벨을 증가시킨데 반해 콜라겐 유도관절염 쥐에서의 시험관 실험결과에서는 감소시켰다. 유근피 추출액은 2형 콜라겐 항체의 농도에 대하여는 효과가 없었다. 결론 : 유근피 추출액은 항염증 작용과 면역조절 작용을 갖고 있고, 활막세포의 G protein-AC-cAMP transmembrane signal transduction 형질 도입 신호에의한 콜라겐 유도관절염 쥐의 치료 효과를 가지고 있는 것으로 여겨진다.