Current Issue
March 2024
Volume 39, No.1
pISSN 1225-7117
eISSN 2288-8268
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Abstract : Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson is an annual plant distributed in China and Korea. The fruit of C. monnieri is used as a medicinal herb and is effective for the treatment of carbuncle and pain in the female genitalia. In this study, we investigated the effects on apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by ethanol extracts from C. monnieri (CME) in HT-29 colon cancer cells. The results of MTT and LDH assays demonstrated the antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of CME. Also, the number of apoptotic bodies and the apoptotic rate were increased by CME. Moreover, cell cycle arrest occurred in the G1 phase by CME. Akt down-regulates various proteins, such as TSC2 and GSK-3β. Transcription of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene is regulated by the GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway. Overexpression of COX-2 induces production of the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2. To confirm the regulatory effect on signaling proteins of CME, we used Western blot analysis in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that, the expression levels of p-Akt, p-TSC2, p-mTOR, p-GSK-3β, β-catenin, COX-2, Bcl-2 family members, and caspase-3 were regulated by CME. Treatment with specific inhibitors showed that CMEinduced apoptosis occurred through regulation of COX-2 expression via both the Akt/GSK-3β/mTOR and Akt/GSK- 3β/β-catenin signaling pathways.
Abstract : Probiotic microorganisms are one of the useful ingredients that can be used in the manufacture of cosmetics and internal beauty products. The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of using probiotic bacterial culture-derived materials as cosmetic materials by measuring the effect on UVB-induced photoaging in human keratinocytes. Considering the formulation design for human application, the bacterial cell lysate and culture supernatant were separated from the cultured broth of Limosilactobacillus fermentum IDCC 3901. The test materials were treated to HaCaT cells and then irradiated with UVB to determine cell viability, antioxidant activity, and inhibition of collagen degradation. Cell survival rate, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, collagen content, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) production were measured. The test materials demonstrated protective effects on HaCaT cells exposed to UVB, as evidenced by a reduction in ROS generation through enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity. Additionally, the test materials down-regulated the expression of MMP-1 and MMP-9, resulting in an augmentation of collagen content. These findings suggest that materials derived from probiotic cultivation exhibit potential for use as anti-aging agents in cosmetics, particularly against UVB-induced skin damage.
Abstract : Mitochondria play an essential role in cancer initiation and progression. Research in the past decades suggested a close relation between mitochondrial dysfunction and cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In addition, mitochondrial dysfunction causes excess levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and induces mitophagy for removing damaged mitochondrial. Therefore, the induction of mitophagy against abnormal mitochondria in cancer cells is expected to be a therapeutic strategy for cancer. In this study, we aimed to develop a mitochondria-targeted delivery system for inducing mitophagy-mediated apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We successfully synthesized amphiphilic glycol chitosan conjugated with a disulfide linker (aGC-SS) and modified paclitaxel with triphenylphosphonium (PTX-TPP prodrug). These components were used to fabricate redox-sensitive nanoparticles loaded with PTX-TPP (aGC-SS-proPTX NPs). The aGC-SS-proPTX NPs exhibited controlled drug release triggered by high glutathione (GSH) levels and showed enhanced accumulation within the mitochondria due to the triphenylphosphonium modification. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the aGC-SH-proPTX NPs effectively suppressed ATP levels, induced mitophagy, and promoted apoptosis in NSCLC cells.Our findings suggest that the targeted delivery of aGC-SS-proPTX NPs triggers mitophagy-mediated apoptosis. This research contributes to the growing understanding of the role of mitochondria in cancer therapy and highlights the potential of targeted mitophagy modulation as a promising approach in NSCLC treatment.
Abstract : Formate is a C1 compound that can be converted from carbon dioxide, the main chemical causing global warming. In this study, we produced lycopene from formate using Methylorubrm extorquens AM1 by engineering nonmevalonoate pathway. Through metabolic engineering, lycopene production of the strain increased by 229.3% in the medium using methanol as a carbon source. Then, to utilize formate as a sole carbon source effectively, formate assimilation protein, FtfL was overexpressed. As a result of formatebasaed fed-batch fermentation, the lycopene production increased by 157%. Lycopene production using formate as a sole carbon source has not been reported yet and this study showed that engineered M. extorquens AM1 can be a candidate strain that produces carotenoids from formate.
Abstract : In this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of Monostroma crassidermum Tokida ethanol extract (MCEE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and croton oil-stimulated ICR mouse models were investigated. MCEE reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nitric oxide, which are non-toxic to RAW 264.7 cells. In vivo testing showed that the results in the MCEE-treated group (10–250 mg/kg. body weight) were similar to those in the prednisolone-treated group (10 mg/kg. body weight). Photo-micrographs showed that the skin layer was thinned, and mast cell infiltration was reduced in the mouse-ear tissue. Therefore, these results suggested that MCEE exerts an anti-inflammatory effect, indicating the possible applications of MCEE as a natural anti-inflammatory material.
Abstract : Autophagy is a cellular process that degrades and recycles cytoplasmic organelles and macromolecules, which plays critical roles in cell survival and maintenance. Indeed, accumulating studies have shown that inactivation of autophagy genes generates defects in embryogenesis and tissue regeneration. The genome wide analysis showed many genes required for autophagy are highly upregulated in human keratinocytes stimulated by Poly (I:C). Using TLR3-siRNA, we found expression of autophagy-related genes is regulated by TLR3-mediated signaling pathway. Importantly, inhibition of autophagy using the class III PI3K inhibitor 3-methyladenine significantly decreases TLR3-induced genes including TLR3 and WNT7b. In particular, ATG5 specific inhibition blocks WNT7b expression in human keratinocytes in response to Poly (I:C). Thus, we suggest that autophagy is essential to regulate TLR3-mediated regeneration.
Abstract : Quercus acuta Thunb (QA) has been reported to contain various polyphenolic and flavonoid components, contributing to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral effects. However, most studies have focused on Q. acuta Thunb leaves, and there is limited research comparing the physiological activities of leaves and branches or addressing wrinkle improvement. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant activity and wrinkle inhibition effects of Q. acuta Thunb leaf and branch extracts using hot water, 70% ethanol and 100% ethanol. Additionally, LC-MS/MS analysis was employed to identify the physiologically active components in Q. acuta Thunb leaves and branch extracts. The comparison of antioxidant activities between Q. acuta Thunb leaves and branches revealed higher antioxidant activity in Q. acuta Thunb branch extract, with an IC50 value of 117.54 μg/mL in the ABTS radical scavenging assay. To verify the wrinkle improvement effect, the enzyme inhibition activity of collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase was measured. The enzyme inhibition experiment results showed that Q. acuta Thunb branches 100% ethanol extract (QAB3) had enzyme inhibition activity, with IC50 values of 390.40 μg/mL, 309.44 μg/mL and 307.98 μg/mL, respectively. RT-PCR results on epidermal cells (HaCaT) showed a decrease in the expression of MMP-3 and MMP-9, enzymes responsible for collagen degradation. Therefore, QAB3 extract proves to be a highly effective substance for antioxidant activity and wrinkle improvement, suggesting its potential use as a functional material in various beauty products.
Abstract : Large amounts of waste cooking oil (WCO) and waste scallop shells (WSS) are discharged from local restaurants. In this study, alkaline solid catalysts were manufactured from WSS via calcination and reused for repeated biodiesel production from WCO, with a free fatty acid content of 1.9%. The optimal calcination conditions were determined to be 750ºC for 3 h. The optimal reaction conditions for biodiesel production from WCO were 3.5 wt% of the solid catalyst relative to the WCO, 0.7 mL-methanol/g-WCO, 60ºC, 5 h of reaction time, and 150 rpm. Under these optimal conditions, a biodiesel conversion of 90.2% was achieved. Among the various treatment methods for the reuse of solid catalysts, simple separation of the reaction mixture and filling of fresh WCO and methanol into the reactor containing the solid catalysts used in previous biodiesel production was the most effective. The alkaline solid catalysts were successfully reused for seven rounds of biodiesel production, maintaining > 85% of biodiesel conversion under the optimal reaction conditions.
Abstract : A recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) was developed as a prescription drug to treat growth disorders and growth hormone deficiency, but it has been abused for the purpose of doping to improve physical performance by athletes. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has listed it as a prohibited substances, and has published guidelines for GH isoform and GH biomarker analysis to detect growth hormone doping. General detection mathod for Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), one of the GH biomarkers, is immunoradiometric assay and mass spectrometry. However, these methods have disadvantages such as the risk of radioactivity, high cost, and long analysis time. In this study, we tried to develop a fluorescent antibody sensor called Quenchbody for rapid detection of IGF-I in the process of growth hormone doping test. A vector was designed in consideration of codon optimization and purification for the anti-hIGF-I scFv sequence for E. coli production, and this was transformed to prepare an anti-hIGFI scFv-producing strain. The expressed antibody was purified using His-tag and Flag-tag, and a Quenchbody was finally produced through fluorescent dye labeling through maleimide-thiol reaction. The antigen binding activity of the Quenchbody were confirmed by ELISA and fluorescence signal detection according to the antigen concentration, and the detection limit of the ATTO520-labeled anti-hIGF-I scFv was 120 pM and the quantitation limit was 540 pM. The IGF-I detection method using a 96-well plate-based Quenchbody is possible from sample preparation to detection within 30 minutes, and is expected to be able to process a large amount of samples.
Abstract : In this study, the parameters of the enzymatic hydrolysis process were optimized using response surface methodology to increase the saccharification efficiency with pretreated barley straw of high loading. A central composite design was adopted as the experimental design to investigate the interaction between variables at different levels and derive an optimal point by the fitted model. Through ANOVA analysis, the fitted model was turned to be significant statistically and suitable for explaining the data with Adj. R2 value (0.92). The optimal point was suggested as barley straw 20.53%, enzyme 70 mg/g-glucan, incubation time 72 h, saccharification yield was 93.25% with satisfying the 95% prediction interval. Using the optimal point, separate hydrolysis and fermentation was performed to investigate the saccharification reproducibility at scale-up and suitability of saccharification solution for the microbial fermentation.
Seung-Hwa Yang, Yeo-Jin Lee, Hyun-Jae Shin, Deuk-Sil Oh, and Moon-Hee Choi
Korean Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering Journal 2022; 37(4): 182-189
https://doi.org/10.7841/ksbbj.2022.37.4.182
Ji-Yeon Park, Yu-Rim Ahn, Jaewon Choi, Hee-Won An, Minse Kim, HakSeon Kim, Eun-Jin Lee, Jung-Taek Kang and Hyun-Ouk Kim
Korean Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering Journal 2022; 37(4): 131-138
https://doi.org/10.7841/ksbbj.2022.37.4.131
Hyun-Jin Jang, Kyung June Yim, Chang Soo Lee, Ji Young Jung, Hyun Ju Nam, Yeji Park, Yu Ho Kim, Jee-Hwan Kim, Su-Hwan Cheon, and Z-Hun Kim
Korean Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering Journal 2022; 37(4): 159-165
https://doi.org/10.7841/ksbbj.2022.37.4.159
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