• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.661-673
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• 2023

Treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) has always been challenged by the development of resistance. We investigated the antiproliferative activity of licochalcone H (LCH), a regioisomer of licochalcone C derived from the root of Glycyrrhiza inflata, in oxaliplatin (Ox)-sensitive and -resistant CRC cells. LCH significantly inhibited cell viability and colony growth in both Ox-sensitive and Ox-resistant CRC cells. We found that LCH decreased epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and AKT kinase activities and related activating signaling proteins including pEGFR and pAKT. A computational docking model indicated that LCH may interact with EGFR, AKT1, and AKT2 at the ATP-binding sites. LCH induced ROS generation and increased the expression of the ER stress markers. LCH treatment of CRC cells induced depolarization of MMP. Multi-caspase activity was induced by LCH treatment and confirmed by Z-VAD-FMK treatment. LCH increased the number of sub-G1 cells and arrested the cell cycle at the G1 phase. Taken together LCH inhibits the growth of Ox-sensitive and Ox-resistant CRC cells by targeting EGFR and AKT, and inducing ROS generation and ER stress-mediated apoptosis. Therefore, LCH could be a potential therapeutic agent for improving not only Ox-sensitive but also Ox-resistant CRC treatment.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.9
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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.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.2_spc
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• pp.396-403
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• 2024

Objective: Monofluoroacetate (MFA) is a potent toxin that blocks ATP production via the Krebs cycle and causes acute toxicity in ruminants consuming MFA-containing plants. The rumen bacterium, Cloacibacillus porcorum strain MFA1 belongs to the phylum Synergistota and can produce fluoride and acetate from MFA as the end-products of dehalorespiration. The aim of this study was to identify the genomic basis for the metabolism of MFA by this bacterium. Methods: A draft genome sequence for C. porcorum strain MFA1 was assembled and quantitative transcriptomic analysis was performed thus highlighting a candidate operon encoding four proteins that are responsible for the carbon-fluorine bond cleavage. Comparative genome analysis of this operon was undertaken with three other species of closely related Synergistota bacteria. Results: Two of the genes in this operon are related to the substrate-binding components of the glycine reductase protein B (GrdB) complex. Glycine shares a similar structure to MFA suggesting a role for these proteins in binding MFA. The remaining two genes in the operon, an antiporter family protein and an oxidoreductase belonging to the radical S-adenosyl methionine superfamily, are hypothesised to transport and activate the GrdB-like protein respectively. Similar operons were identified in a small number of other Synergistota bacteria including type strains of Cloacibacillus porcorum, C. evryensis, and Pyramidobacter piscolens, suggesting lateral transfer of the operon as these genera belong to separate families. We confirmed that all three species can degrade MFA, however, substrate degradation in P. piscolens was notably reduced compared to Cloacibacillus isolates possibly reflecting the loss of the oxidoreductase and antiporter in the P. piscolens operon. Conclusion: Identification of this unusual anaerobic fluoroacetate metabolism extends the known substrates for dehalorespiration and indicates the potential for substrate plasticity in amino acid-reducing enzymes to include xenobiotics.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.171-180
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• 2024

Background: Epimers of ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) have a low bioavailability and are prone to deglycosylation, which produces epimers of ginsenoside Rh2 (S-Rh2 and R-Rh2) and protopanaxadiol (S-PPD and R-PPD). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and potency of these molecules as anti-cancer agents. Methods: Crystal violet staining was used to study the anti-proliferatory action of the molecules on a human epithelial breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and compare their potency. Cell death and cell cycle were studied using flow cytometry and mode of cell death was studied using live cell imaging. Anti-angiogenic effects of the drug were studied using loop formation assay. Molecular docking showed the interaction of these molecules with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) and aquaporin (AQP) water channels. VEGF bioassay was used to study the interaction of Rh2 with VEGFR2, in vitro. Results: HUVEC was the more sensitive cell line to the anti-proliferative effects of S-Rh2, S-PPD and R-PPD. The molecules induced necroptosis/necrosis in MDA-MB-231 and apoptosis in HUVEC. S-Rh2 was the most potent inhibitor of loop formation. In silico molecular docking predicted a good binding score between Rh2 or PPD and the ATP-binding pocket of VEGFR2. VEGF bioassay showed that Rh2 was an allosteric modulator of VEGFR2. In addition, SRh2 and PPD had good binding scores with AQP1 and AQP5, both of which play roles in cell migration and proliferation. Conclusion: The combination of these molecules might be responsible for the anti-cancer effects observed by Rg3.

• BMB Reports
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.92-97
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• 2024

Elevated blood glucose is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Data from the current study showed that glucosamine (GlcN), a normal glucose metabolite of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP), promoted lipid accumulation in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Oleic acid- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lipid accumulation was further enhanced by GlcN in RAW264.7 cells, although there was no a significant change in the rate of fatty acid uptake. GlcN increased acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), scavenger receptor class A, liver X receptor, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) mRNA expression, and; conversely, suppressed ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA-1) and ABCG-1 expression. Additionally, GlcN promoted O-GlcNAcylation of nuclear SREBP-1 but did not affect its DNA binding activity. GlcN stimulated phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and S6 kinase. Rapamycin, a mTOR-specific inhibitor, suppressed GlcN-induced lipid accumulation in RAW264.7 cells. The GlcN-mediated increase in ACC and FAS mRNA was suppressed, while the decrease in ABCA-1 and ABCG-1 by GlcN was not significantly altered by rapamycin. Together, our results highlight the importance of the mTOR signaling pathway in GlcN-induced macrophage lipid accumulation and further support a potential link between mTOR and HBP signaling in lipogenesis.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2001

To investigate difference of component changes in salt-fermented spring (SAS) and autumn (AAS) anchovy, Engraulis japonicus sauce during fermentation, various chemical properties were examined at $1.5\sim3$ months intervals during 18 months fermentation, The contents of total and amino nitrogen were higher in SAS than in AAS until 15.7 and 17.4 months fermentation, respectively, but there were no difference after that. The cross point of inosine (HxR) + hypoxanthine (Hx) and uric acid was faster in SAS with 10.6 months fermentation than in AAS with 11.5 months fermentation, After 18 months of fermentation, the SAS was rich in free amino acids, such as glutamic acid, alanine, aspartic acid, valine, lysine in that order, On the other hand, the AAS was rich in free amino acids, such as glutamic acid, leucine, alanine, lysine, isoleucine in that order. Absorbance at 453 nm were higher in SAS than in AAS, and increased gradually during fermentation.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.15-23
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• 1985

Previous biochemical studies indicate that $(Na^++K^+)-ATPase$ is composed of two subunits, ${\alpha}$ and ${\beta}$, in a form of ${\alpha}_2{\beta}_2$ with a molecular weight of approximately 300,000 daltons. There is also suggestive evidence that the $Na^+$, $K^+$ pump in human erythrocytes occurs in a complex with some glycolytic enzymes. We assessed here in situ assembly size of the $(Na^++K^+)-ATPase$ of human erythrocytes by applying classical target theory to radiation inactivation data of the ouabain-sensitive sodium flux and ATP hydrolysis of intact cells and ghosts. Cells(in the presence of cryoprotective agent) and ghosts were irradiated at $-45^{\circ}C$ to $-50^{\circ}C$ with an increasing dose of a 1.5 MeV electron beam, and after thawing, the pump and/or enzyme activities were assayed. Each activity measured was decreased as a simple exponential function of radiation dose, from which a radiation sensitive volume (target size) was calculated. When intact cells were used, the target size of both $(Na^++K^+)-ATPase$ and $Na^+$, $K^+$ pump was found to be approximately 600,000 daltons. This target size of the ATPase was reduced to approximately 325,000 daltons if the cells were pretreated with strophanthidin. When ghosts were used, the target size of the ATPase was again approximately 325,000 daltons. Our target size measurement suggests that, in intact cells, the $(Na^++K^+)-ATPase/Na^+,K^+$ pump exists either as a dimer of $(\alpha\beta)_2$ which is a functional unit or as a monomer of $(\alpha\beta)_2$ but in tight complex with other enzyme or enzymes. The results also suggest that this dimeric or heterocomplex association is dissociated during ghost preparation and strophanthidin treatment.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.16 no.2 s.75
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• pp.199-205
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• 2006

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-$\alpha$ of three PPAR subtypes ($-\alpha,\;-\beta/-\gamma,\;-\delta$), which are members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors, plays a key role in lipoprotein and glucose homeostasis. A variation in the PPAR-a gene expression has been suggested to influence the development of metabolic syndrome through alterations in lipid concentrations. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between the PPAR-a and metabolic syndrome among South Korean. A total of 542 health screen examinees were enrolled in this study who were examined in Kosin University Gospel Hospital from December, 2004 to July, 2005. The height, weight, waist circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the subjects were examined and fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride were measured by-sampling in venous blood. The metabolic syndrome was defined as the presence of three or more of the following : waist circumference men ${\geq}90cm$, women ${\geq}80cm$, blood pressure ${\geq}130/85mmHg$, fasting glucose ${\geq}110mg/dL$, HDL cholesterol men <40 mg/dL, women <50 mg/dL, triglyceride ${\geq}150mg/dL$. The blood pressure, fasting glucose, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride were evaluated by using the criteria of NECP ATP III and waist circumference was assessed by using the criteria of WHO Asia-Western Pacific. And the author compared the frequency of the PPAR-$\alpha$ mutation of L162V ($C{\rightarrow}G$ variant in exon 5) in a sample of 542 subjects with and without the metabolic syndrome by polymerase chain reaction allele-specific oligonucleotide (PCR-ASO) method. One (0.2%) hetero-isotype among high risk of metabolic syndrome was identified. The values of waist circumference, body mass index and low density lipoprotein cholesterol of the mutant were 100 cm, 28.6 $kg/m^2$ and 120 mg/dL, respectively. Although the author failed to see significant association between the presence of the PPAR-$\alpha$ L162V polymorphism and metabolic syndrome, one PPAR-$\alpha$ L162V polymorphism in metabolic syndrome patients was found.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2006

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are ubiquitously distributed and play important functions in diverse cellular signaling systems. The proteins are largely classified into three groups, such as typical 2-Cys Prx, atypical 2-Cys Prx, and 1-Cys Prx, that are distinguished by their catalytic mechanisms and number of Cys residues. From the three classes of Prxs, the typical 2-Cys Prx containing the two-conserved Cys residues at its N-terminus and C-terminus catalyzes $H_2O_2$ with the use of thioredoxin (Trx) as an electron donor. During the catalytic cycle, the N-terminal Cys residue undergoes a peroxide-dependent oxidation to sulfenic acid, which can be further oxidized to sulfinic acid at the presence of high concentrations of $H_2O_2$ and a Trx system containing Trx, Trx reductase, and NADPH. The sulfinic acid form of 2-Cys Prx is reduced by the action of sulfiredoxin which requires ATP as an energy source. Under the strong oxidative or heat shock stress conditions, 2-Cys Prx in eukaryotes rapidly switches its protein structure from low-molecular-weight species to high-molecular-weight protein structures. In accordance with its structural changes, the protein concomitantly triggers functional switching from a peroxidase to a molecular chaperone, which can protect its substrate denaturation from external stress. In addition to its N-terminal active site, the C-terminal domain including 'YF-motif' of 2-Cys Prx plays a critical role in the structural changes. Therefore, the C-terminal truncated 2-Cys Prxs are not able to regulate their protein structures and highly resistant to $H_2O_2$-dependent hyperoxidation, suggesting that the reaction is guided by the peroxidatic Cys residue. Based on the results, it may be concluded that the peroxidatic Cys of 2-Cys Prx acts as an '$H_2O_2$-sensor' in the cells. The oxidative stress-dependent regulation of 2-Cys Prx provides a means of defense systems in cells to adapt stress conditions by activating intracellular defense signaling pathways. Particularly, 2-Cys Prxs in plants are localized in chloroplasts with a dynamic protein structure. The protein undergoes conformational changes again oxidative stress. Depending on a redox-potential of the chloroplasts, the plant 2-Cys Prx forms super-molecular weight protein structures, which attach to the thylakoid membranes in a reversible manner.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.12
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• pp.887-893
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• 2003

External stimuli increases intracellular (IC) $Ca^{2+}$, which increases extracellular (EC) $K^{+}$. To verify $K^{+}$ effects on the vascular contraction, we performed an experiment using mouse aortic endothelial cell. Meterial and Method: We examined the mouse aortic contractility changes as we measured the IC $Ca^{2+}$ change and ionic current by using the voltage clamp technique under different conditions such as: increasing EC $K^{+}$, removing endothelial cell, giving L-NAME (N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) which suppress nitric oxide formation, Ouabain which control N $a^{+}$ - $K^{+}$ pump and N $i^{2+}$ which repress N $a^{+}$-C $a^{2+}$ exchanger Result: When we increased EC $K^{+}$ from 6 to 12 mM, there was no change in aortic contractility. Aorta contracted with more than 12 mM of EC $K^{+}$. Ace-tylcholine (ACh) induced relaxation was inhibited with EC $K^{+}$ from 6 to 12 mM, but was not found after de-endothelialization or L-NAME treatment. ATP or ACh increased IC $Ca^{2+}$ in cultured endothelium. After maximal increase of IC $Ca^{2+}$, increasing EC $K^{+}$ from 6 to 12 mM made IC $Ca^{2+}$ decrease and re-decreasing EC $K^{+}$ to 6 mM made IC $Ca^{2+}$ increase. Ouabain and N $i^{2+}$ masked the inhibitory effect of endothelium dependent relaxation by increased EC $K^{+}$. Conclusion: These data indicate that increase in EC $K^{+}$ relaxes vascular smooth muscle and reduces $Ca^{2+}$ in the endothelial cells which inhibit endothelium dependent relaxation. This inhibitory mechanism may be due to the activation of N $a^{+}$- $K^{+}$ pump and N $a^{+}$-C $a^{2+}$ exchanger. $a^{+}$-C $a^{2+}$ exchanger.r.