• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.191-197
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• 2019

This study aims to evaluate the effects of the root bark of Morus alba (RMA) on the regulation of the Hippo-YAP pathway. Hippo-YAP signaling is a critical regulator in controlling organ size and tissue homeostasis. Hippo, the serine/threonine kinase phosphorylate the LATS. Phosphorylated LATS then phosphorylates and inactivates the YAP and TAZ, which are two closely related transcriptional co-activator. Here we report RMA activates the Hippo signaling, thereby inhibits the YAP/TAZ activity. First, we examine the cytotoxic effects of RMA by MTT assay. RMA was cytotoxic at concentrations higher than $50{\mu}g/ml$ in HEK293A cells. The reporter gene assay was performed to measure the activity of TEAD, a key transcription factor that controls cell growth and proliferation. RMA significantly suppressed the luciferase activity. By phos-taq gel shift assay, and western blotting, we showed that RMA enhanced the phosphorylation of YAP in wild type cells, but not in LATS1/2 knock out cells, which means RMA activates classical Hippo pathway. RMA induced the cytoplasmic sequestration of YAP. RMA also suppressed the mRNA expression of CTGF and CYR61; the two major YAP dependent genes. Taken together, RMA is considered to be a good candidate for proliferative disease such as cancer, by facilitating cell death through activating the Hippo signaling pathway.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제42권6호
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• pp.460-469
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• 2019

Bacterial ${\alpha}-type$ carbonic anhydrase (${\alpha}-CA$) is a zinc metalloenzyme that catalyzes the reversible and extremely rapid interconversion of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate. In this study, we report the first crystal structure of a hyperthermostable ${\alpha}-CA$ from Persephonella marina EX-H1 (pmCA) in the absence and presence of competitive inhibitor, acetazolamide. The structure reveals a compactly folded pmCA homodimer in which each monomer consists of a 10-stranded ${\beta}-sheet$ in the center. The catalytic zinc ion is coordinated by three highly conserved histidine residues with an exchangeable fourth ligand (a water molecule, a bicarbonate anion, or the sulfonamide group of acetazolamide). Together with an intramolecular disulfide bond, extensive interfacial networks of hydrogen bonds, ionic and hydrophobic interactions stabilize the dimeric structure and are likely responsible for the high thermal stability. We also identified novel binding sites for calcium ions at the crystallographic interface, which serve as molecular glue linking negatively charged and otherwise repulsive surfaces. Furthermore, this large negatively charged patch appears to further increase the thermostability at alkaline pH range via favorable charge-charge interactions between pmCA and solvent molecules. These findings may assist development of novel ${\alpha}-CAs$ with improved thermal and/or alkaline stability for applications such as $CO_2$ capture and sequestration.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제29권10호
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• pp.1522-1542
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• 2019

To adapt to environmental changes and to maintain cellular homeostasis, microorganisms adjust the intracellular concentrations of biochemical compounds, including metal ions; these are essential for the catalytic function of many enzymes in cells, but excessive amounts of essential metals and heavy metals cause cellular damage. Metal-responsive transcriptional regulators play pivotal roles in metal uptake, pumping out, sequestration, and oxidation or reduction to a less toxic status via regulating the expression of the detoxification-related genes. The sensory and regulatory functions of the metalloregulators have made them as attractive biological parts for synthetic biology, and the exceptional sensitivity and selectivity of metalloregulators toward metal ions have been used in heavy metal biosensors to cope with prevalent heavy metal contamination. Due to their importance, substantial efforts have been made to characterize heavy metal-responsive transcriptional regulators and to develop heavy metal-sensing biosensors. In this review, we summarize the biochemical data for the two major metalloregulator families, SmtB/ArsR and MerR, to describe their metal-binding sites, specific chelating chemistry, and conformational changes. Based on our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms, previously developed metal biosensors are examined to point out their limitations, such as high background noise and a lack of well-characterized biological parts. We discuss several strategies to improve the functionality of the metal biosensors, such as reducing the background noise and amplifying the output signal. From the perspective of making heavy metal biosensors, we suggest that the characterization of novel metalloregulators and the fabrication of exquisitely designed genetic circuits will be required.

• 자원환경지질
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• 제53권6호
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• pp.793-807
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• 2020

그린뉴딜정책의 실현은 석탄을 연료에서 원료로 활용분야로의 전환을 촉진시킬 것이다. 석탄은 수소의 생산, 인조 흑연 및 활성탄의 제조 원료로 활용될 수 있다. 석탄은 Steam carbon(SC) 반응과 Water-Gas Shift(WGS) 반응 및 탄산화 반응을 통하여 수소를 생산할 수 있으며, CO2격리기술과 연동되어 사용되어야 한다. 인조흑연은 실리콘이나 철 등의 무기촉매의 존재하에서 탄화도가 높은 무연탄 등을 2400~2800℃의 흑연화 온도까지 열처리함으로서 제조될 수 있기 때문에 무연탄은 석유계 피치에 비해 원료 가격경쟁력 측면에서 잠재성이 있다. 한편, 최근 목질기원의 활성탄에 필적하는 넓은 비표면적 혹은 많은 양의 미세기공을 가진 석탄기원의 활성탄이 제조될 수 있음을 여러 연구를 통해 확인되었다. 따라서 석탄기원의 활성탄은 목질기원의 활성탄을 대체할 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• 제46권3호
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• pp.250-258
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• 2022

Background: To assess the carbon sequestration capacity and net ecosystem productivity (NEP) of Quercus glauca forests, we analyzed the net primary productivity (NPP), carbon storage, and carbon emission of soil in a Q. glauca forest on Jeju Island (South Korea) from 2016 to 2018. Results: The average carbon stock in the above- and below-ground plant biomass was 223.7 Mg C ha^-1, while the average amount of organic carbon fixed by photosynthesis was 9.8 Mg C ha^-1 yr^-1, and the average NPP was 9.6 Mg C ha^-1 yr^-1. Stems and branches contributed to the majority of the above- and below-ground standing biomass and NPP. The average heterotrophic carbon emission from the soil was 8.7 Mg C ha^-1 yr^-1, while the average NEP was 1.1 Mg C ha^-1 yr^-1. Although the carbon stock, carbon absorption, and soil respiration values were higher than those reported in other oak forests in the world, the NEP was similar or lower. Conclusions: These results indicator that Q. glauca forests perform the role of a large carbon sink through the CO₂ absorption in the plants in terms of carbon balance. And it is judged to be helpful as data for assessment of carbon storage and flux in the forests and mitigation of elevated CO₂ in the atmosphere.

• 한국지반환경공학회 논문집
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• 제24권6호
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• pp.5-11
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• 2023

석탄 및 석유와 같은 전통적인 화석 연료는 연소 시 발생하는 열을 통해 에너지를 공급한다. 이러한 과정에서 대기 중에 이산화탄소를 배출하고 지구 온난화를 유발한다. 이산화탄소 저감을 위해 많은 연구들이 수행되고 있다. 이러한 방안 중 하나로, 이산화탄소 지중 저장 기술이 관심을 받고 있다. 이산화탄소 지중 저장은 플랜트 등에서 발생하는 이산화탄소를 포집하여 덮개암 하부 포화지반층에 이산화탄소를 주입하여 저장하는 방법을 일컫는다. 하지만, 제한된 공간에 더 많은 양의 이산화탄소 저장을 위해서는 저장 효율의 향상이 필요하다. 따라서, 본 연구에서는 계면활성제를 활용하여 이산화탄소 지중 저장의 효율을 향상하고자 한다. 또한, 지중저장소의 위치에 따라 압력 및 온도가 상이하기 때문에 이산화탄소는 기체, 액체 및 초임계 상태로 존재가능하다. 따라서, 이산화탄소 상태에 따른 저장 효율 특성을 평가하였다. 그 결과, 주입속도 및 계면활성제의 활용은 저장 효율의 향상을 기대할 수 있고, 그 효과는 기체, 액체 및 초임계 상태 이산화탄소에 발휘되는 것을 확인하였다.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제33권9호
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• pp.1130-1140
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• 2023

Among the AAA+ proteases in bacteria, FtsH is a membrane-bound ATP-dependent metalloprotease, which is known to degrade many membrane proteins as well as some cytoplasmic proteins. In the intracellular pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, FtsH is responsible for the proteolysis of several proteins including MgtC virulence factor and MgtA/MgtB Mg²⁺ transporters, the transcription of which is controlled by the PhoP/PhoQ two-component regulatory system. Given that PhoP response regulator itself is a cytoplasmic protein and also degraded by the cytoplasmic ClpAP protease, it seems unlikely that FtsH affects PhoP protein levels. Here we report an unexpected role of the FtsH protease protecting PhoP proteolysis from cytoplasmic ClpAP protease. In FtsH-depleted condition, PhoP protein levels decrease by ClpAP proteolysis, lowering protein levels of PhoP-controlled genes. This suggests that FtsH is required for normal activation of PhoP transcription factor. FtsH does not degrade PhoP protein but directly binds to PhoP, thus sequestering PhoP from ClpAP-mediated proteolysis. FtsH's protective effect on PhoP can be overcome by providing excess ClpP. Because PhoP is required for Salmonella's survival inside macrophages and mouse virulence, these data implicate that FtsH's sequestration of PhoP from ClpAP-mediated proteolysis is a mechanism ensuring the amount of PhoP protein during Salmonella infection.

• 반도체디스플레이기술학회지
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.12-18
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• 2024

The accelerated pace of climate crisis due to continuous industrialization and greenhouse gas emissions necessitates sustainable solutions that simultaneously address mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Naturebased Solutions (NbS) have gained prominence as viable approaches, with Green Infrastructure being a representative NbS. Green Infrastructure involves securing green spaces within urban areas, providing diverse climate adaptation functions such as removal of various air pollutants, carbon sequestration, and isolation. The proliferation of Green Infrastructure is influenced by the quantification of improvement effects related to various projects. To support decision-making by assessing the climate vulnerability of Green Infrastructure, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed i-Tree Tools. This study proposes a comprehensive evaluation approach for climate change adaptation types by quantifying the climate adaptation performance of urban Green Infrastructure. Using i-Tree Canopy, the analysis focuses on five urban green spaces covering more than 30 hectares, considering the tree ratio relative to the total area. The evaluation encompasses aspects of thermal environment, aquatic environment, and atmospheric environment to assess the overall eco-friendliness in terms of climate change adaptation. The results indicate that an increase in the tree ratio correlates with improved eco-friendliness in terms of thermal, aquatic, and atmospheric environments. In particular, it is necessary to prioritize consideration of the water environment sector in order to realize climate change adaptive green infrastructure, such as increasing green space in urban areas, as it has been confirmed that four out of five target sites are specialized in improving the water environment.

• 한국건축시공학회지
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.285-295
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• 2024

본 연구에서는 500℃·hr의 증기양생을 실시한 OPC 페이스트에 대하여 1atm 20% 농도의 CO₂와 5atm 99% 농도의 고농도 CO₂ 조건 하의 촉진 탄산화의 영향평가를 수행하였다. 이를 위하여 XRD, FT-IR을 통한 화학적 분석과 SEM, 압축강도 측정을 통한 물리적 특성 분석을 실시하였다. 그 결과 CO₂ 20% 농도의 상압 탄산화를 수행하는 경우 뚜렷한 내부 조직구조 치밀화 및 압축강도 증진 효과를 관찰할 수 있었고, CO₂ 99% 농도의 5atm 가압 탄산화를 실시할 경우 표면조직구조가 빠르게 치밀해지며 CO₂ 확산침투율이 크게 떨어지게 되어 압축강도 등 유의미한 수준의 물리적 특성 개선이 일어날 정도의 탄산화를 진행할 수 없었다.

• 자원환경지질
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• 제47권4호
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• pp.421-430
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• 2014

본 연구에서는 지중 유입된 이산화탄소가 심부 지질구조 내 지하 환경에 미치는 지화학적 및 광물학적 영향을 규명하기 위한 일련의 고압셀 실험이 수행되었다. 실험을 통하여 이산화탄소 지중저장 조건에 해당하는 $50^{\circ}C$와 100 bar의 고온 고압조건을 고압셀 내에서 구현하고, 초임계 $CO_2$-지하수-광물 시스템 내에서의 반응 실험을 실시하였다. 반응 실험은 최근 국내 이산화탄소 지중저장의 후보지로서 많은 연구가 진행되고 있는 포항분지에 널리 분포하는 광물 중 하나인 제올라이트와 지하 800 m에서 채취된 심지층의 지하수를 대상으로 수행되었다. 상온 상압 및 고온 고압 환경에서 30일간 진행된 $CO_2$-지하수-제올라이트 반응으로 야기된 광물과 지하수 시료의 지화학적 및 광물학적 변화는 XRD, XRF, ICP-OES 등의 분석을 통해 정량적으로 규명하였다. 실험의 결과는 초임계 이산화탄소의 용해로 조성된 산성 환경에서 제올라이트 시료의 용해 반응이 촉진되었음을 보여 주었다. 제올라이트 시료로부터 용출된 양이온 농도가 증가함에 따라 지하수 내 $H^+$가 소모되고, 반응 10일 이후에는 지하수의 pH가 10.35 까지 증가하였다. 또한 제올라이트 시료의 용해 반응으로 인해 지하수 내 용존 양이온의 농도는 전반적으로 증가하는 경향을 보였으나, Si는 산성조건에서 비정질 규산염으로 재침전되고, Ca는 양이온 교환과 방해석으로의 재침전으로 농도가 감소한 것으로 나타났다. 실험 과정을 통하여 초임계 이산화탄소의 유입이 대수층 내 구성 광물의 용해 특성, 지하수의 화학적 조성과 물성, 대수층의 광물학적 조성 등에 변화를 발생시킬 수 있음을 보여주었다. 또한 광물상의 용해/침전과 양이온 교환 등 지화학적 반응들이 지중저장 관련 지층의 암석과 지하수의 물리적 또는 화학적 변화에 중요한 역할을 담당하고 있음을 보여주었다.