개똥쑥 추출물(AAE)은 암에 효과적인 약초로 알려져 있다. Apoptosis는 프로그램화된 세포사멸로 미토콘드리아는 세포사멸 조절에 중요한 역할을 한다. 이 연구는 A549 폐암세포에서 Bcl-2 하위조절과 미토콘드리아 경로를 통한 AAE의 p53 비의존적인 세포사멸을 보여주고 있다. AAE는 p-Akt, cox-2, p53 그리고 미토콘드리아 조절 단백질을 통해 암세포의 사멸을 촉진한다. p-Akt/cox-2 단백질은 세포 증식과 생존에 중요한 역할을 한다고 알려져 있다. Bax, Bak, Bim과 같이 세포사멸을 촉진하는 Bcl-2 단백질은 미토콘드리아 외막의 투과성을 조절한다. AAE의 처리는 p-Akt, p-Mdm2, cox-2 그리고 anti-apoptotic 단백질과 같이 세포사멸을 억제하는 단백질들의 발현을 감소시키는 반면에 암 억제자인 p53과 pro-apoptotic 단백질들을 증가시킨다. Bax/Bak의 활성화는 caspase를 활성화시키기 위해 cytochrome c를 미토콘드리아에서 세포질로 방출하도록 한다. Caspase-3는 apoptosis 과정과 관련된 주요 effector caspase이다. Caspase-3는 일반적으로 pro-enzyme형태로 세포질에 존재한다. Apoptosis의 개시단계에서 caspase-3는 proteolytic cleavage에 의해 활성화되고 활성화된 caspase-3는 PARP를 분해한다. Apoptosis와 관련된 단백질들의 신호전달 사이의 상관관계를 알기 위해 Pifithrin-α (p53 inhibitor)와 Celecoxib (cox-2 inhibitor)을 처리했다. 이러한 결과를 통해 A549 폐암 세포에 AAE를 처리하였을 때 p53-independent 경로를 통해 apoptosis가 유도된다는 것을 확인하였다. The extract from Artemisia annuain L.(AAE) is known as a medicinal herb that is effective against cancer. Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death, and mitochondria are known to play a central role in cell death control. In this study, we evaluated the p53-independent apoptosis of extract of AAE through downregulation of Bcl-2 and the mitochondrial pathway in A549 (lung cancer cells). AAE may exert cancer cell apoptosis through regulating p-Akt, Cox-2, p53 and mitochondria-mediated apoptotic proteins. p-Akt/cox-2 is known to play an important role in cell proliferation and cell survival. The Bcl-2 pro-apoptotic proteins (such as Bax, Bak and Bim) mediate the permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane. Treatment of AAE reduces p-Akt, p-Mdm2, cox-2 and anti-apoptotic proteins (such as Bcl-2), while tumor suppressor p53 and pro-apoptotic proteins. Activation of Bax/Bak releases cytochrome c from mitochondria to the cytosol to activate a caspase. Caspase-3 is the major effector caspase associated with apoptotic pathways. Caspase-3 generally exists in cytoplasm in the form of a pro-enzyme. In the initiation stage of apoptosis, caspase-3 is activated by proteolytic cleavage and activated caspase-3 cleaves poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). We treated Pifithrin-α (p53 inhibitor) and Celecoxib (Cox-2 inhibitor) to learn the relationship between the signal transduction of proteins associated with apoptosis. These results suggest that AAE induces apoptosis through a p53-independent pathway in A549.

All cells composing of our body undergo their destiny such as proliferation, differentiation, necrosis, apoptosis and senescence depending on their circumstance with time. The errors occurring in these processes develop several aberrations in phenotypes including cancer, inflammation, aging and diseases. New strategy and approach are required to screen anti-aging compounds derived from natural products. Therefore, here we explain the target proteins to play a key role in aging mechanism. In the first place, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in metastasis, chronic inflammation and skin aging as an aging marker. In particular, histone deacetylases (HDACs) give a great attention to aging researchers who try to extend the life span of animal model. In addition, we describe the signaling pathway related to senescence which p53, IGF-1 and SIRT1 play an important role in. Furthermore, autophagy is involved in the signaling pathway associated with aging. Several new compounds modulating the signaling pathway of senescence are introduced in this review. Here, we try to provide a new insight in the molecular basis for the aging mechanism and development of aging marker. In addition, the compounds introduced here could be available for pharmaceutical applications for the prevention and the treatment of diseases related to aging.

Cephalanthera erecta (Thunb. ex, Murray) is an herbaceous and a member of the genus Cephalanthera in the family Orchidaceae. The species is an herbaceous and has reputed Chinese medicinal value. It has been investigated the population density and spatial distribution of this species at Mt. Ahop in Korea during 2015. The spatial pattern of C. erecta was analyzed according to several patchiness indexes, population uniformity or aggregation under different sizes of plots by dispersion indices, and spatial autocorrelation. The mean crowding (M*) and patchiness index (PAI) showed positive values except one small plot (2 m × 2 m). Most natural individuals of C. erecta for plots were not uniformly distributed in the forest community. The small plots (2 m × 2 m, to 8 m × 16 m) of C. erecta were uniformly distributed in the forest community and large plots (16 m × 16 m and 16 m × 32 m) were aggregately distributed. Significant aggregations by Morans I of C. erecta were partially observed within IV classes (12 m). Dissimilarity among pairs of individuals could found by more than 18.0 m. In conclusion, the geographic distribution of C. erecta is not even with varying degrees of size of plots and human activities give rise to density effects in the plots at Mt. Ahop in Korea.

이 논문은 제주도에서 채집한 구멍갈파래(Ulva pertusa)를 Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP)를 이용하여 세균군집을 조사하였다. RFLP 분석을 위해 Marine agar배지와 R2A배지를 사용하여 145개의 균주가 분리되었으며, 제한효소 HaeⅢ와 RsaⅠ을 이용하여 서로 다른 RFLP 패턴을 구분하였다. RFLP 패턴 결과로부터 균주를 선별하여 16S rRNA 유전자 염기서열 분석 결과, 알려진 균주의 염기서열과 91% 이상의 유사도를 보였다. 주요 계통군은 Proteobacteria (Alpha-proteobacteria, Beta-proteobacteria, Gamma-proteobacteria) (63%), Bacteroidetes (22%), Firmicutes (11%), Actinobacteria (4%)로 4개의 문이 관찰되었고, 7개의 강, 13개의 목, 18개의 과, 27개의 속으로 관찰되었다. 계통학적 분석 결과, 상동성이 97% 미만으로 나타난 10균주가 새로운 속이나 종으로 분류될 가능성이 높게 나타났으며, 신종 후보 균주에 대한 형태학적, 생리학적, 생화학적 등 분류·동정을 위한 추가적인 실험을 수행해야 할 것이다. The present study was done to assess the diversity of the bacterial community associated with Ulva pertusa collected from Jeju Island using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) marker analysis. For RFLP analysis, a total of 145 bacterial strains associated with Ulva pertusa were screened and cultivated using Marine agar and R2A agar. The PCR amplicons of the 16S rRNA gene from all the isolated strains were digested with HaeIII and RsaI restriction enzymes and then classified into different groups according to their restriction patterns. Strains selected based on the RFLP patterns showed more than 91% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity when compared with known bacterial species, which include 4 phyla - proteobacteria (alpha-proteobacteria, beta-proteobacteria, gamma-proteobacteria - 63%), firmicutes (11%), actinobacteria (4%), bacteroidetes (22%)–as well as 7 classes (actinobacteria, flavobacteriia, cytophagia, bacilli, α-proteobacteria, γ-proteobacteria, β-proteobacteria), 13 orders, 18 families, and 27 genera. These results confirmed a wide diversity of bacterial communities as contrasted with other regions. The newly isolated 10 strains, which show 16S rRNA sequence similarity of <97% compared to previously identified bacteria, could be noble species. Further experiments, such as morphological, physiological, and biochemical classification, are necessary to confirm the novelty of the newly isolated 10 strains.

Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) and RIPK3 are members of the serine or threonine protein kinase superfamily that phosphorylates the hydroxyl group of serine or threonine through the highly conserved kinase region. The RIPK family plays a crucial role not only in inflammation and innate immunity, but also in mediating programmed cell death, such as apoptosis and necroptosis. The interaction between RIPK1 and other TNFR1-related proteins has been shown to assemble a signaling complex I that controls activation of the pro-survival transcription factor NF-κB upon binding of cytokines to TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1). Moreover, RIPK1 and RIPK3 interact through their RIP homotypic interaction motifs (RHIMs) to mediate programmed necrosis, which has long been considered an accidental and uncontrolled cell death form with morphological characteristics differing from those of apoptosis. Highly conserved sequences of RHIM in RIPK1 and RIPK3 were shown to regulate their binary interaction, leading to assembly of a cytosolic amyloid complex termed the “necrosome”. The necrosome also contains mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), which has been found recently to be a substrate of RIPK3 to mediate downstream signaling. This review provides an overview of the functional and physiological characteristics of RIPKs and MLKL in TNF signaling.

본 연구는 미토콘드리아 DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome B (CYTB)와 NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1) 유전자 서열의 다형성을 근거로 제주도 큰발윗수염박쥐 집단의 유전적 집단 구조와 계통 유연관계를 조사하는 데 목적이 있다. 동아시아 박쥐에서 CYTB 유전자 haplotype은 14개의 haplotype들이 발견되었고, ND1은 9개의 haplotype 들이 발견되었다. 집단별 haplotype의 분포는 지역-특이적인 양상을 보였다. ND1 haplotype 분석결과에서 제주도 집단은 4개의 haplotype을 나타내고, 한라산 소집단과 서부지역 소집단은 3개 haplotype을 나타내었으나, 동부지역 소집단에서는 제주도 전체에서 공통으로 발견되는 1개(Nd03)의 haplotype만 출현하였다. NJ tree에서 제주도 집단은 강원도 집단보다 일본 집단과 더 근연으로 확인되었다. 중국과 일본의 모계선조 계보 사이의 분화 시점은 0.789±0.063 MYBP으로 추정되었고, 제주도와 일본의 모계선조는 약 17만 년(0.168±0.013 MYBP) 전에 분리된 것 으로 판단된다. 제주도 집단은 적어도 5만 년 이전에 이주한 것으로 보인다. 또한 ND1 haplotype 분석결과는 제주도 집단이 이주 후에도 지역 내에서의 적어도 2회 이상의 유전적 분화를 겪었다는 것을 보여주고 있다. 본 연구 결과는 동아시아 큰발윗수염박쥐의 계통 유연관계를 이해하는 데 중요한 기초자료가 될 것이며, 향후 한반도의 남부와 중국, 러시아 등에서 시료 확보를 통해 집단 간 진화적 상관관계를 이해하는 데 필요한 설득력 있는 자료가 마련되어야 할 것이다. This study was carried out to reveal the genetic population structure of the Jeju Island population and the phylogenetic relationship of East Asian populations of the large-footed bat (Myotis macrodactylus) based on the genetic polymorphisms of mitochondrial cytochrome B (CYTB) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1) gene sequences. A total of fourteen and nine haplotypes were found in the CYTB and ND1 sequences from East Asian bats, respectively. Haplotype distribution showed locality specific patterns. The results from ND1 haplotype analysis showed that the Jeju Island population has four haplotypes: the Mt. Halla and Western subpopulations have three ND1 haplotypes, but the Eastern subpopulation has just a single haplotype Nd03, which is commonly found on this island. The neighbor-joining (NJ) tree showed the closer relationship between Jeju Island and Japan rather than that between Jeju and Gangwon-do Province. The divergence time between the maternal ancestor lineages of Japanese and Chinese populations was estimated to be 0.789±0.063 MYBP. The secondary divergence between Jeju and Japanese bats was calculated about to be 0.168±0.013 MYBP. The Jeju population has immigrated to the island at least fifty thousand years ago. In addition, ND1 haplotype analysis suggested that the insular bats have experienced at least two further genetic differentiation events within this island. Consequently, these findings suggested that the results of this study may play a critical role in understanding the phylogenetic relationship among East Asian bat populations of M. macrodactylus. To prepare more explainable information on evolutionary correlation, analysis is still required to examine using expanded samples from China, Russia, and southern parts of the Korean Peninsula.

Kefir is an acidic-alcoholic fermented milk product originating from the Caucasian mountains. Kefir has long been known for its probiotic health benefits, including its immunomodulatory effects. The objectives of this study were to investigate the properties of a fermented whey product and to examine the effects of kefir grains on the in vitro immune-modulation of human mast cell-1 (HMC-1). The results showed that the whey fermented by kefir grains contained the maximum lactic acid bacteria and yeast for 16 hr by 1.83×10 8 and 6.5×10 5 CFU/ml, respectively, and lactose and whey proteins were partially hydrolyzed. The experimental whey fermented by kefir grains exhibited an in vitro anti-inflammatory effect on the HMC-1 line for 8, 16, and 24 hr, and this effect induced the expression of interleukin (IL)-4 as a pro-inflammatory cytokine, but not for 48 hr by RT-PCR in HMC-1 cells. In addition, the same phenomenon was observed for the expression of IL-8 as a pro-inflammatory cytokine by the kefir-fermented whey during the same periods of 8-48 hr under the same conditions. These cytokines resulted in the production of IL-4 at 20-25 ng in HMC-1 cells for 8, 16, and 24 hr, whereas 5 ng was produced for 48 hr by the fermented whey. In contrast, IL-8 was produced at 15-20 ng in HMC-1 cells during 4, 8, 16, and 24 hr, while 7 ng was produced at 48 hr. It was concluded that the whey fermented by kefir grains possesses a potential anti-inflammatory function, which could be used for an industrial application as an ingredient of functional foods and pharmaceutical products.

고분자(polymer), 금속(metal), 세라믹(ceramic), 합성물(composite) 등과 같은 바이오소소재(Biomaterials)는 그들의 물리화학적 성질 때문에 의료용섬유(medical fibers), 인공혈관(artificial blood vessels), 인공관절(artificial joints), 임플란트(implants), 연조직(soft tissue), 인공성형물(plastic surgery materials) 등 의료용으로 많이 사용되며, 개발연구도 활발히 진행되고 있다. 그러나, 필름(film)이나 판(plate)형태의 바이오소재에 대한 생체적합성(biocompatibility)이나 독성(toxicity)을 포유동물세포를 이용하여 평가하는 것은 적절한 평가용 장치가 없기 때문에 매우 어려운 상황이다. 따라서 이러한 문제를 해결하기 위해서, 본 연구에서는 고분자필름이나 금속판에 유용하게 적용할 수 있는 실리콘링, 상판(top panel), 하판(bottom panel)으로 구성된 새로운 포유동물배양시스템을 개발하고, 이를 실제 적용하고자 하였다. 개발된 시스템은 평가하고자 하는 시료를 상판과 하판사이에 조립하는 샌드위치시스템을 기반으로 한다. 세포배양장치의 조립 후, SK-MEL-2세포를 3가지 시료; Styela Clava Tunic (SCT)- PF, NaHCO₃-added SCT (SCTN)-PF, magnesium MP (MMP)에 적용하고 37℃ 이산화탄소 배양기에서 24시간과 48시간 동안 배양하였다. MTT분석결과에서, 세포생존율(cell viability)은 24시간과 48시간 동안 SCT-PF배양그룹에서 정상적으로 유지되었지만 48시간 동안 SCTN-PF배양그룹에서는 급격하게 감소되었다. 더불어, MMP배양그룹에서 세포생존율은 24시간과 48시간 배양 후에 대조군과 유사하게 유지되었다. 이러한 결과는 본 연구에서 새롭게 개발된 샌드위치형태의 포유동물세포배양장치는 고분자필름이나 금속판형태의 바이오소재에 대한 독성이나 생체적합성을 평가하기 위한 우수한 잠재력을 보유하고 있음을 제시하고 있다. Biomaterials including polymer, metal, ceramic, and composite have been widely applied for medical uses as medical fibers, artificial blood vessels, artificial joints, implants, soft tissue, and plastic surgery materials owing to their physicochemical properties. However, the biocompatibility and toxicity for film- and plate-form biomaterials is difficult to measure in mammalian cells because there is no appropriate incubation system. To solve these problems, we developed a novel mammalian cell culture system consisting of a silicone ring, top panel, and bottom panel and we applied two polymer films (PF) and one metal plate (MP). This system was based on the principal of sandwiching a test sample between the top panel and the bottom panel. Following the assembly of the culture system, SK-MEL-2 cells were seeded onto Styela Clava Tunic (SCT)-PF, NaHCO₃-added SCT (SCTN)-PF, and magnesium MP (MMP) and incubated at 37℃ for 24 hr and 48 hr. An MTT assay revealed that cell viability was maintained at a normal level in the SCT-PF culture group at 24 or 48 hr, although it rapidly decreased in the SCTN-PF culture group at 48 hr. Furthermore, the cell viability in the MMP culture group was very similar to that of the control group after incubation for 24 hr and 48 hr. Together, these results suggest the sandwich-type mammalian culture system developed here has the potential for the evaluation of the biocompatibility and toxicity of cells against PF- and MP-form biomaterials.

본 연구는 염색체 가공기술(chromosome manipulation technique)을 이용하여 다양한 개수의 염색체를 가진 균주들의 세포 성장속도 및 life span을 비교하여 염색체 수의 증가가 세포 생리에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 16개의 염색체를 가지는 숙주세포 FY833 균주와 18개의 염색체를 가지는 YKY18 및 YKY18R 균주, 24개의 염색체를 가지는 YKY24 균주와 30개의 염색체를 가지는 YKY30 균주를 사용하여 specific growth rate를 비교해 본 결과, YKY18 균주와 YKY24 균주는 세포성장의 변화가 거의 없었으나, YKY18R 균주와 YKY30 균주에서는 숙주세포에 비해 각각 25%와 40% 이상 성장이 감소됨을 확인 할 수 있었다. 또한 염색체 수와 노화의 관계를 알아보기 위해 replicative life span을 조사해 본 결과, YKY24균주와 YKY30 균주에서 숙주세포에 비해 약 14%와 45% 정도로 life span이 감소했음을 알 수 있었다. 노화인자로 알려져 있는 telomere의 길이도 인공염색체의 수가 증가될수록 점점 다양해지고 길이가 짧아짐을 확인 할 수 있었다. 따라서 염색체 수의 증가도 새로운 노화원인이 될 수 있다는 가능성을 제시하였고, 본 연구 결과가 다양한 인공염색체를 가진 산업용 균주의 안정적인 개량을 위한 기초 자료로 활용될 수 있을 것이라 기대한다. The influence of chromosome number on cell growth and cell aging was investigated in various yeast strains that have many artificial chromosomes constructed using a chromosome manipulation technique. Host strain FY833 and the YKY18, YKY18R, YKY24, and YKY30 strains harboring 16 natural chromosomes, 18 chromosomes, 18 chromosomes containing rDNA chromosome, 24 chromosomes, and 30 chromosomes, respectively, were used, and the specific growth rate of each strain was compared. The specific growth rates in the YKY18 and YKY24 strains were indistinguishable from that in the host strain, while those of the YKY18R and YKY30 strains were reduced to approximately 25% and 40% of the host strain level, respectively. Subsequently, the replicative life span was examined to investigate the relationship between the number of chromosomes and cell aging, and the life span was decreased to approximately 14% and 45% of the host strain level in the YKY24 and YKY30 strains, respectively. Moreover, telomere length, well known as a senescence factor, was shorter and more diversified in the strain, showing decreased life span. Therefore, these results suggest the possibility that an increase in the number of chromosomes containing artificial chromosomes caused cell aging, and we expected these observations would be applied to improve industrial strain harboring of versatile and special artificial chromosomes.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) and its extracts have been used in a wide range of applications, including as folk medicines in many Asian countries. This traditional herb has several functional properties and strong biological activities, making it useful as a functional food material. This study investigated the biological activities of solid-garlic after fermentation by lactic acid bacteria. Several solid-garlic fermentation strains of lactic acid bacteria were isolated from Korean traditional fermented food or obtained from the Korean Collection for Type Cultures. Lactic acid bacteria showed selective growth in garlic extracts on MRS media. Fermentation of solid garlic (heated 121℃, 15 min or not heated) by lactic acid bacteria gave total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of 731.0-845.2 g/g and 92.68-413.58 g/g, respectively. The DPPH scavenging activities and SOD like activities were measured as 7,584% and 9499%, respectively. These activities were relatively higher than a positive control, vitamin C. Measurement of antidiabetic activity using α-glucosidase inhibition assay showed that solid garlic fermented with lactic acid bacteria gave a higher activity than the control, acarbose. Fermentation of solid garlic with lactic acid bacteria may therefore help to alleviate adverse biological activities, as well as provide functional food materials.