• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제16권1호
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• pp.11-16
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• 2012

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are often characterized by the elevated expression of drug-resistance related stem-cell surface markers, such as CD133 and ABCG2. Recently, we reported that CSCs have a high level of expression of the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of anticancer drugs on the expression of the drug resistance-related cancer stem cell markers, ABCG2, IL-6R, and CD133 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. A549, H460, and H23 NSCLC cell lines were treated with the anticancer drugs 5-fluorouracil (5-FU; $25{\mu}g/ml$) and methotrexate (MTX; $50{\mu}g/ml$), and the expression of putative CSC markers was analyzed by fluorescent activated cell sorter (FACS) and the gene expression level of abcg2, il-6r and cd133 by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We found that the fraction of ABCG2-positive(+) cells was significantly increased by treatment with both 5-FU and MTX in NSCLC cells, and the elevation of abcg2, il-6r and cd133 expressions in response to these drugs was also confirmed using RT-PCR. Also, the number of IL-6R(+) cells was increased by MTX in the 3 cell lines mentioned and increased by 5-FU in the H460 cell line. The number of CD133(+) cells was also significantly increased by both 5-FU and MTX treatment in all of the cell lines tested. These results indicate that 5-FU and MTX considerably enhance the expression of drug-resistance related CSC markers in NSCLC cell lines. Thus, we suggest that antimetabolite cancer drugs, such as 5-FU and MTX, can lead to the propagation of CSCs through altering the expression of CSC markers.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.277-290
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• 2008

The process of wound repair involves an ordered sequence of events such as overlapping biochemical and cellular events that, in the best of circumstances, result in the restoration of both the structural and functional integrity of the damaged tissue. An important event during wound healing is the contraction of newly formed connective tissues by fibroblasts. The polypeptide growth factors, like transforming growth factor-${\beta}$(TGF-${\beta}$, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF- I) and epidermal growth factor (EGF), play very important mediator roles in the process of wound contraction. Deer antlers, as models of mammalian regeneration, are cranial appendages that develop after birth as extensions of a permanent protuberance (pedicle) on the frontal bone. Antlers contain various growth factors which stimulate dermal fibroblast growth. They are involved in digestion and respiration and are necessary for normal wound healing and skin health. In order to investigate and evaluate the effects of red deer antlers on skin wound site, the speed of full-thickness skin wound healing and the expression of IGF-I, TGF-${\beta}$ and EGF in skin wounds, three groups of skin full-thickness rat models with a high concentration of antler ointment, a low concentration of antler ointment and without antler ointment were compared. At post-injury days 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 20, 32, 40 and 60, the skin wound area was measured, the expressions of IGF-I, TGF- ${\beta}$ and EGF mRNA were detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and collagen formation by sirius red dye and the localization of IGF-I, TGF-${\beta}$ and EGF peptides were inspected by histological immunohistochemical techniques. Wound healing was significantly more rapid in antler treated skins. In addition, the wound treated with a high concentration antler ointment, a low concentration antler ointment, and the control closed completely at post-injury day 40, day 44 and day 60, respectively. Via RT-PCR, the expressions of IGF-I (day 8 and day 16), TGF-${\beta}$(day 8, day 16 and day 20) and EGF (day 4, day 8, day 16, and day 32) were obviously up-regulated in high concentration antler-treated skins compared to control skins. Similar results could be seen in the histological detection of collagen dye and immunohistochemical methods using the corresponding polyclone antibodies of IGF-I, TGF-${\beta}$ and EGF. These results illustrate that antlers stimulate and accelerate the repair of cutaneous wounds.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제8권4호
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• pp.219-225
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• 2004

The pelvic ganglia provide autonomic innervations to the various urogenital organs, such as the urinary bladder, prostate, and penis. It is well established that both sympathetic and parasympathetic synaptic transmissions in autonomic ganglia are mediated mainly by acetylcholine (ACh). Until now, however, the properties of ACh-induced currents and its receptors in pelvic ganglia have not clearly been elucidated. In the present study, biophysical characteristics and molecular nature of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) were studied in sympathetic and parasympathetic major pelvic ganglion (MPG) neurons. MPG neurons isolated from male rat were enzymatically dissociated, and ionic currents were recorded by using the whole cell variant patch clamp technique. Total RNA from MPG neuron was prepared, and RT-PCR analysis was performed with specific primers for subunits of nAChRs. ACh dose-dependently elicited fast inward currents in both sympathetic and parasympathetic MPG neurons $(EC_{50};\;41.4\;{\mu}M\;and\;64.0\;{\mu}M,\;respectively)$. ACh-induced currents showed a strong inward rectification with a reversal potential near 0 mV in current-voltage relationship. Pharmacologically, mecamylamine as a selective antagonist for ${\alpha}3{\beta}4$ nAChR potently inhibited the ACh-induced currents in sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons $(IC_{50};\;0.53\;{\mu}M\;and\;0.22\;{\mu}M,\;respectively)$. Conversely, ${\alpha}-bungarotoxin$, ${\alpha}-methyllycaconitine$, and $dihydro-{\beta}-erythroidine$, which are known as potent and sensitive blockers for ${\alpha}7$ or ${\alpha}4{\beta}2$ nAChRs, below micromolar concentrations showed negligible effect. RT-PCR analysis revealed that ${\alpha}3$ and ${\beta}4$ subunits were predominantly expressed in MPG neurons. We suggest that MPG neurons have nAChRs containing ${\alpha}3$ and ${\beta}4$ subunits, and that their activation induces fast inward currents, possibly mediating the excitatory synaptic transmission in pelvic autonomic ganglia.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.147-155
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• 1998

Acupuncture and Radix Astragali aqua-acupuncture stimuli have long been used to cure human diseases. However, it still remains to be unkown on its action mechanism, physiolosical and biochemical aspects. Thus, many attempts were made to show the scientific background covering the above mentioned mechanisms. Most recent studies show that these tests improve blood circulatory system and increase leucocyte counts. In this study, we have applied the acupuncture stimuli to mouse Sinsu(BL-23), which is a stimulative point of oriental medicine, to see if cytokine such as IL-6 can be detected. Mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide(LPS) for inflammation induction, and then reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using each primer set was performed to trace the amounts of mRNA. The results are summarized as follows ; 1. IL-6 was not temporarily expressed in normal mice 15 min after the acupuncture was pulled out. But, it started to show a feeble expression at 30 min after the removal of acupuncture and it started to reduce at 1h. after the acupuncture was pulled out 2. IL-6 was specifically expressed in LPS-treated mouse 30 min after the acupuncture was pulled out. The transcriptional expressions of LPS-treated mice were more effective than those of normal mice at 30 min after the removal of acupuncture 3. IL-6 was not temporarily expressed in normal mice 15 min after Radix Astragali aqua-acupuncture. But it expressed most highly at 30 min, and the transcriptional expressions of IL-6 was continued to 3 h. 4. IL-6 was not expressed in all the time after Radix Astragali aqua-acupuncture in LPS-treated mice. Therefore, a follow-up of cytokine IL-6 can be used not only a basis of the effect of acupuncture and Radix Astragali aqua-acupuncture but a diagnosis giude through the immunological action of thats. And, it is suggested that cytokine's expression by Acupuncture and Radix Astragali aqua-acupuncture stimulation should be continuously elucidated.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• 제20권1호
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• pp.28-35
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• 2013

목 적 : 2000년이후human metapneumovirus (hMPV)는 하기도 호흡기 감염을 일으키는 주요 바이러스로 인식되고 있다. 급성 호흡기 감염으로 입원한 소아 환자들에서의 hMPV의 역학 및 임상적 특징, 그리고 혈액학적 특징 및 hMPV에 감염되지 않은 환자와의 비교, 중복 감염등을 통해 hMPV의 특징을 파악하고자 하였다. 방 법 : 2010년 2월부터 2012년 1월까지 급성 호흡기 증상으로 입원한 환아 1,554명의 비인두 흡인을 통해 객담 검체를 채취하여 RT-PCR을 시행 후 hMPV가 검출된 99명의 환아들의 임상 기록지를 후향적으로 검토하여 이들의 임상 증상 및 검사 소견을 분석 비교 하였다. 결 과 : 1,554명 중 1,004명(64.6%)에서 호흡기 바이러스가 검출되었다. 그 중 hMPV가 양성인 환자는 99명으로 양성 검체의 9.8%였다. hMPV에 감염된 환자의 평균 연령은 25.0개월이었으며 해마다 유행 정도는 다르나 4월부터 6월에 주로 발현하였으며 발열기간이 다른 바이러스 보다 길고 호흡기 증중을 보였으며, 천명(wheezing)이 특징적 임상 증상이었다. 진단으로 폐렴이 가장 많았지만, 12개월 이하의 연령군에서는 모세기관지염이 가장 흔하였다. 혈액학적 검사소견은 ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), CRP (C-reactive protein) 모두 hMPV에 감염된 환자군에서 정상 범위 보다 상승된 소견을 보였다. hMPV의 단독 감염과 중복 감염을 비교해 보았을 때 임상증상 및 혈액 검사 소견에서 통계학적 차이를 보이지 않았다. 결론 : hMPV는 폐렴을 일으키는 주요 원인 바이러스이며 13개월 이상부터 48개월 이하의 연령에서 호발하며 평균 연령은 25개월이며 4월에서 6월까지 유행하는 양상을 보였다. 천명이 임상적 특징이며, hMPV에 대하여 우리나라에서의 보고는 점차 증가되고 있으나 아직은 생물학적, 유전학적 특징과 관련된 임상 분석이 더 필요하다.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.205-211
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• 2008

Gingival overgrowth can cause dental occlusion and seriously interfere with mastication, speech, and dental hygiene. It is observed in 25 to 81% of renal transplant patients treated with cyclosporine A (CsA). CsA-induced gingival overgrowth (CIGO) is caused by quantitative alteration of the extracellular matrix components, particularly collagen. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of CIGO remain poorly understood, despite intense clinical and laboratory investigations. The aim of the present work is to identify differentially expressed genes closely associated with CIGO. Human gingival fibroblasts were isolated by primary explant culture of gingival tissues from five healthy subjects (HGFs) and two patients with the CIGO (CIGO-HGFs). The proliferative activity of CsA-treated HGFs and CIGO-HGFs was examined using the MTT assay. The identification of differentially expressed genes in CsA-treated CIGO-HGF was performed by differential display reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by DNA sequencing. CsA significantly increased the proliferation of two HGFs and two CIGO-HGFs, whereas three HGFs were not affected. Seven genes, including the beta subunit of prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4HB) and testican 1, were upregulated by CsA in a highly proliferative CIGO-HGF. The increased P4HB and testican-1 mRNA levels were confirmed in CsA-treated CIGO-HGFs by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Furthermore, CsA increased type I collagen mRNA levels and suppressed MMP-2 mRNA levels, which are regulated by P4HB and testican-1, respectively. These results suggest that CsA may induce gingival overgrowth through the upregulation of P4HB and testican-1, resulting in the accumulation of extracellular matrix components.

• 치위생과학회지
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• 제13권3호
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• pp.321-329
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• 2013

과산화수소는 치아미백에 널리 사용되는 물질로 과다 사용시 치수세포에 손상을 일으킬 수 있다. 본 연구의 목적은 활성산소인 과산화수소에 의해 유도되는 상아모세포의 단계별 분화와 LOX isoforms과의 관계를 밝히고자 하였다. 치수세포에 분화유도 배지와 과산화수소를 시간과 농도별로 처리한 후 LOX 유전자 발현은 RT-PCR로 측정하였고, LOX enzyme activity는 고감도 형광분석으로 확인하였다. 또한 가장 많은 발현억제를 보인 LOX와 LOXL을 선택하여 siRNA 처리 후 분화표지자의 발현변화와 LOX enzyme activity를 확인하였다. 1. 과산화수소 처리에 따라 LOX, LOXL, LOXL3 mRNA 발현은 농도와 시간 의존적으로 감소하였으나 LOXL2와 LOXL4 mRNA는 변화가 없었다. 2. 과산화수소 처리된 LOX enzyme activity는 0.3 mM과 24시간에서 가장 많은 증가를 보였다. 3. ALP, OPN, OCN의 mRNA 발현은 LOX와 LOXL siRNAs 모두에서 억제되었고, DMP1과 DSPP는 LOX siRNA에서 더 많은 억제 효과를 보였다. 하지만, 분화단계별(초기, 중기, 말기) 차이는 보이지 않았다. 4. LOX와 LOXL siRNAs를 처리하여 LOX enzyme activity를 측정한 결과 LOX siRNA를 처리한 실험군에서 더 많은 억제효과를 보였다. 이러한 결과는 상아모세포 성장과 분화과정에 낮은 농도의 과산화수소가 분화를 유도하고 여기에 LOX가 관련됨을 알 수 있었다. 결론적으로, 과산화수소는 LOX 유전자 발현조절을 통해 치수세포의 성장과 분화에서 중추적인 역할을 할 것이라고 생각된다.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.269-277
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• 2005

Objectives: Previously, we sought to compile a list of genes expressed during early folliculogenesis by using cDNA microarray to investigate follicular gene expression and changes during primordialprimary follicle transition and development of secondary follicles (Yoon et al., 2005). Among those genes, a group of genes related to the cell size growth was characterized during the ovarian development in the present study. Methods: We determined ovarian expression pattern of six genes related to the cell size growth (cyr61, emp1, fhl1, socs2, wig1 and wisp1) and extended into CCN family (${\underline{c}}onnective$ tissue growth factor/${\underline{c}}ysteine$-rich 61/${\underline{n}}ephroblastoma$-overexpressed), ctgf, nov, wisp2, wisp3, including cyr61 and wisp1 genes. Expression of mRNA and protein according to the ovarian developmental stage was evaluated by in situ hybridization, and/or semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results: Among 6 genes related to the cell size growth, cyr61 and wisp1 mRNA was detected only in oocytes in the postnatal day5 mouse ovaries. cyr61 mRNA expression was limited to the nucleolus of oocytes, while wisp1 was expressed in the cytoplasm and nucleolus of oocytes, except nucleus. cyr61 mRNA expression, however, was found in granulosa cells from secondary follicles. The rest 4 genes in the cell size growth group were detected in oocytes, granulosa and theca cells. Cyr61 and Wisp1 proteins were expressed in the oocyte cytoplasm from primordial follicle stage. Especially, Cyr61 protein was detected in pre-granulosa cells, Wisp1 protein was not. By using RT-PCR, we evaluated and decided that Cyr61 protein is produced by their own mRNA in pre-granulosa cells that was not detected by in situ hybridization. cyr61 and wisp1 genes are happen to be the CCN family members. The other members of CCN family were also studied, but their expression was detected in oocytes, granulose and theca cells. Conclusions: We firstly characterized the ovarian expression of genes related to the cell size growth and CCN family according to the early folliculogenesis. Cyr61 protein expression in the pre-granulosa cells is profound in meaning. Further functional analysis for cyr61 in early folliculogenesis is under investigation.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.234-240
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• 2008

매향' 딸기의 안토시아닌 생합성은 개화 후 26일째 시작되어 과실의 성숙기 동안 계속된다. 딸기로부터 안토시아닌의 생합성에 관여하는 주요 유전자를 분리하였다. 각각의 유전자에 대해, 다양한 식물체의 유사 유전자의 염기서열을 비교하여 PCR (polymerase chain reaciton) primer를 제작하였다. 숙기의 딸기에서 분리된 total RNA로부터 합성된 CDNA와 각 primer를 이용하여 RT (reverse transcriptase)-PCR을 수행하였다. 각 CDNA clone의 염기서열을 작성하여 분석한 결과, 이들은 안토시아닌 생합성에 관여하는 phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), 4-cummarate CoA ligase (4CL), chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), flavanone-3-hydroxylase (F3H), dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), anthocyanidine synthase (ANS) 그리고 UDP-glucose:flavonoid-3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT) 효소에 해당되었다. Northern blot 분석 결과, 이들 유전자는 과실 발달과정에서 시기적으로 조절되었다. 특히 PAL을 제외한 모든 유전자는 과실에서만 주로 발현되었다. PAL, DFR 그리고 ANS유전자는 과실 초기 발달 단계인 개화 후 10일에 검출된 후 감소하다가, 22일에 다시 증가하기 시작하여 34일에 최대가 되었다. 한편, 다른 유전자들은 초기에는 발현되지 않다가, 안토시아닌이 축적되기 시작하는 개화 후 $22{\sim}30$일에 처음으로 검출되었다. 본 연구를 통해, 딸기 과실 발달과정에서 안토시아닌 생합성 과정에 관여하는 여러 유전자가 과실 숙기에 함께 조절되는 현상을 알 수 있다. 이러한 연구 결과는 안토시아닌 합성과정을 제어하는 조절 유전자가 존재한다는 것을 시사한다. 그리고 딸기의 안토시아닌 생합성 유전자의 발현패턴을 크게 두 가지로 나눌 수 있는 것으로 보아, 딸기의 안토시아닌 생합성에는 적어도 두 가지 서로 다른 조절 기작이 관여하여 색소 발달 과정을 제어할 것으로 보인다.

• 한국미생물·생명공학회지
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• 제44권3호
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• pp.355-362
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• 2016

수해양성 병원성 미생물로 알려진 Vibrio anguillarum으로부터 mannose-1-phosphate를 mannose-6-phosphate, glucose-1-phosphate를 glucose-6-phosphate로 가역적으로 변환시키는 phosphomannomutase/phosphoglucomutase (pmm/pgm)의 유전자를 sequencing하여 1338 bp의 open reading frame (ORF)을 밝혔다. 이는 446개의 아미노산을 포함하며 47,625 Da을 가지고 있다. 보고된 다른 Vibrio sp.의 pmm/pgm 유전자와 상동성을 비교하였을 때 V. mimicus V. vulnificus, V. splendidus, V. harveyi와 92.3%, 91.4%, 89.9%, 89.9%에 해당하는 상동성을 지니고 있었다. 증폭된 목적 유전자를 pET-28a(+) vector에 연결하여 대장균에서 단백질의 대량발현을 유도하였으며 이는 주로 soluble한 상태로 나왔다. Soluble fraction을 Ni-NTA column chromatography로 정제하여 약 50 kDa의 단백질을 얻었고 이는 주로 mannose-1-phosphate를 이용하는 효소로 확인되었으며 Mg²⁺ 이온이 존재할 때 효소의 활성이 나타나는 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 본 연구의 유전자는 낮은 온도의 stress하에서 발현이 증가됨을 Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)을 통해 확인하였고, 상동성 재조합 (homologous recombination)에 의한 돌연변이 균주 제작을 통해 PMM/PGM protein과 lipopolysaccharide (LPS)의 생합성과의 관계를 규명하였다. V. anguillarum wild type과 mutant로부터 LPS를 분리하였고 sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)후 silver staining을 통해 LPS의 high molecular weight (HMW) 부분인 O-antigen에서의 변화를 확인하였다. 또한 V. anguillarum wild type과 mutant의 growth와 viability를 확인한 결과 mutant가 wild type보다 정지기까지 더 낮은 생육을 보였으며 viability가 감소함을 확인하였다. 본 연구를 통하여 V. anguillarum의 pmm/pgm 유전자가 미생물의 생육과 LPS 생합성에 관여하고 있음을 알 수 있었다.