본 연구는 OECD TG No. 458, 22Rv1/MMTV_GR-KO 전사 활성화 분석법을 포함한 세포 기반 분석법을 사용하 여 식품 및 생활용품에 포함된 파라벤과 트리클로산의 인 간 안드로겐 수용체를 매개하는 내분비계 교란 가능성을 확인하는 것을 목표로 한다. 4가지 파라벤(메틸-, 에틸-, 프 로필-, 부틸-)은 OECD TG No.458에서 AR 길항제로 확 인된 반면, 파라벤의 AR 길항 효과는 S9 간 분획물이 있 는 경우 나타나지 않았다. 트리클로산 역시 AR 길항제로 분류되었으며, 트리클로산에 의해 유도된 AR 길항 효과 는 S9 간 분획물이 존재할 때 제 1상+2상 대사에서 유의 하게 감소되었다. 파라벤과 트리클로산에 의해 유도되는 AR 길항 기전은 세포질 내 AR 이량화를 차단하여, 리간 드 결합 AR이 핵으로의 전위를 억제함으로써 AR 매개 내분비 교란 효과를 나타냈다. 이러한 결과는 4가지 파라 벤과 트리클로산이 AR 이량화 저해를 통한 AR 길항 효 과를 나타내는 AR 매개 내분비 교란 가능성을 가지고 있 으나, 간 대사 효소가 존재할 경우 내분비 교란 효과는 감 소됨을 시사한다.

Umami taste-yielding foods, such as, Joseonganjang, dried anchovies, dried shiitake, dried Konbu (kelp), and Yukjeot, are widely used in the Korean cuisine as soup base. While Umami taste enhancement related to Kokumi taste substances has been proposed in human sensory studies, the potential action of Kokumi taste substances has not been explored on calcium-sensing receptors (CaSR), here referred to as Kokumi taste receptors. In this study, we investigated the effect of Umami taste-yielding foods on Kokumi taste receptors using cells expressing human CaSR. We monitored the temporal changes in intracellular Ca2+ in HEK293T cells expressing CaSR in response to aqueous extract of Joseonganjang, dried anchovies, dried shiitake, dried Konbu, and Yukjeot. Kokumi substances tested-glutathione and γ-Glu-Val-Gly- evoked intracellular Ca2+ influx in a concentration-dependent manner. A similar increment of intracellular Ca2+ influx was induced by Joseonganjang, Yukjeot, and dried anchovies, but not by dried shiitake and dried Konbu. Only Joseonganjang- and Yukjeot-evoked intracellular Ca2+ influx was significantly reduced by NPS 2143, a CaSR-specific antagonist. These data indicated that some Umami substances/Umami-yielding materials could activate CaSR, but this property was not observed for all the Umami tasting substances.

담즙산은 지방의 소화를 돕고 담즙의 배출을 용이하게 하는 역할을 하는 것으로 알려져 있었다. 하지만 여러 연구를 통해 담즙산에 대한 수용체가 존재하며 그 종류도 다양함을 알게 되었다. 담즙산 수용체는 담즙산 생리에 관여하는 것 외에도 에너지 대사, 염증 조절 등의 반응에 있어 인체 내에서 광범위하게 작용한다. GPBAR1과 S1PR2는 담즙산 수용체 중에서도 대표적인 G 단백질 결합수용체로서 담관세포에 많이 존재하며 세포의 증식 및 담즙 분비 등에 관여한다. 아울러 담관암의 진행과도 관련되어 있다는 연구가 발표되고 있어 향후 담관암 치료에 중요한 표적이 될 것으로 예상된다.

신경내분비종양은 소마토스타틴 수용체의 발현이 증가되어 있다. 소마토스타틴 수용체를 표적으로 하는 소마토스타틴 유사체 옥트레오티드는 오랫동안 신경내분비종양의 기능을 억제하는 치료제로 사용되어 왔다. 옥트레오티드에 핵의학 영상용 방사성동위원소 In-111을 표지하여 환자에 주사한 후 감마카메라로 전신을 촬영하는 기능적 핵의학 영상 또한 오래전부터 사용되었다. 최근에는 옥트레오티드 유사체에 양전자단층촬영(positron emission tomography, PET)용 방사성동위원소를 표지하여 PET/CT를 촬영하게 되었는데 기존 In-111 옥트레오스캔보다 더 선명한 영상을 얻을 수 있다. 나아가 옥트레오티드 유사체에 치료용 방사성핵종을 표지하여 주사하면 신경내분비종양의 전이된 병소를 찾아가서 방사선 치료를 하는 일명 방사선 미사일 치료가 개발되었다. 이는 펩타이드 수용체를 표적으로 하는 핵의학 치료의 일종으로 펩타이드 수용체 방사성핵종 치료(peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, PRRT)라고 한다. 같은 소마토스타틴 수용체 표적 펩타이드를 이용하여 치료 전 기능 영상을 얻어서 PRRT의 대상 환자를 선별할 수 있어 환자 개인맞춤 정밀치료가 가능하다. 또한 Lu-177과 같은 영상용 감마선과 치료용 베타선을 동시에 방출하는 방사성동위원소를 표지하면 치료와 동시에 감마카메라 영상을 얻을 수 있어 주사한 표적치료제의 분포를 매 치료마다 평가할 수 있어 진단과 치료의 합성어인 테라노스틱스가 가능하다.

Dyslipidemia, defined as elevated triglyceride (TG), total- and LDL-C, and/or decreased HDL-C levels, is considered a principal risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) family has been considered a key player in the prevention of dyslipidemia. The LDLR family consists of cytoplasmic membrane proteins and plays an important role not only in ligand–receptor binding and uptake, but also in various cell signaling pathways. Emerging reports state that various functional ingredients dynamically modulate the function of the LDLR family. For instance, oats stimulated the LDLR function in vivo, resulting in decreased body weight and improved serum lipid profiles. The stimulation of LRP6 by functional ingredients in vitro activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, subsequently suppressing the intracellular TG via inhibition of SREBP1, PPARγ, and C/EBPα. Furthermore, the extract of Cistanchetubulosa enhanced the expression of the mRNA of VLDLR, followed by a reduction in the serum cholesterol level. In addition, fermented soy milk diminished TG and total cholesterol levels while increasing HDL-C levels via activation of LRP1. To summarize, modulating the function of the LDLR family by diverse functional ingredients may be a potent therapeutic remedy for the treatment of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases.

Taste substances are recognized by gustatory sensory neurons that express putative seven transmembrane proteins in the gustatory receptor (Gr) family. However, the gustatory tuning of the molecular receptors encoded by these gustatory receptor genes remains unknown in honey bees. Here we first functionally characterize a gustatory receptor responding to umami taste L-amino acids in the western honey bee, Apis mellifera. Using Ca2+ imaging assay and two-voltage clamp recording, we first report that one of the gustatory receptors of honeybee, AmGr10, functions as a selectively tuned amino acid receptor in taste neurons. In addition, we report a floating electrode-based bioelectronic tongue mimicking honeybee taste systems for the detection and discrimination of umami substances. This floating electrode-based bioelectronic tongue mimicking insect taste systems can be a powerful platform for various applications such as food screening, and it also can provide valuable insights on insect taste systems.

무당벌레(Harmonia axyridis)는 주로 진딧물을 포식하는 진딧물의 주요 천적으로 알려져 있으나, 무당벌레에 관한 유전자 정보에 대해서는 알려진 바가 거의 없다. 기존 연구에서 RNAi(RNA interference)를 이용하여 무당벌레의 유전자 기능 분석을 위한 유전자들을 선발하기 위해 gateway system을 이용하여 무당벌레 cDNA library를 제작하였다. 그 결과 RNAi에 적합한 200bp~400bp의 insert를 확인하였으며, 최종적으로는 2.58×106 titer의 무당벌레 cDNA library를 제작하였다. 라이브러리 임의의 유전자를 클로닝하기 전에 transcription vector를 이용한 클로닝 시스템을 확인하기 위해서 기존의 무당벌레 탈피 관련 수용체인 ecdysone receptor A를 knock-down시켜 탈피가 억제되는지를 확인하였다. 그 결과 dsEcRA를 주입한 4령 무당벌레는 대부분 번데기가 되지 못하고 죽었으며, qRT-PCR한 결과 무처리에 비해 dsEcRA를 주입한 개체의 경우 주입 후 4일차에 발현량이 감소한 것을 확인했다. 기존의 무당벌레 유전자 기능분석을 위해 제작한 무당벌레 cDNA library 임의의 유전자들을 transcription vector인 LITMUS 28i vector에 클로닝 하여 dsRNA를 합성한 뒤 무당벌레에 주입하여 체내에서 표현형의 변이가 나타나는 유전자를 선발한다. 그 후에 race를 통해 유전자의 전체 시퀀스를 알아내 유전자 정보를 확인함으로서, 무당벌레 내 유전자 기능 분석에 도움이 될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

New therapeutic measure are needed to improve the outcome for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC) because OSCC continues to portend a relatively unfavorable prognosis. Recently RNA interference(RNAi) has emerged as an effective method to target specific genes for silencing. Although overexpression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor(uPAR) has been implicated in progression and metastasis of OSCC, the transfection effect of RNAi- uPAR on OSCC has been rarely reported. The purpose of this study were to examine the efficient and specific inhibition of uPAR mRNA and protein expression by siRNA targeting of uPAR through RT-PCR and immunoslot blotting, and to study cell proliferation activity, adhesion, invasion and migration in vitro compared to the controls. In MTT assay, siRNA-uPAR transfected cells showed about 70-80% cell proliferation compared to OSCC cell lines after 2 days. In adhesion assay, siRNA-uPAR transfected cells showed about 20-30% adhesion activity compared to OSCC cell lines, but similar features to those of BSA coated wells. In migration assay, siRNA-uPAR transfected cells showed about 60% migration activity compared to OSCC cell lines, but higher 3.5 folds to those of BSA coated wells. In invasion assay, siRNA-uPAR transfected cells showed about 55% invasive activity compared to parental cell lines. mRNA expression of siRNA-uPAR transfected cells showed about 10-15 % compared to parental cell lines by RT-PCR. Protein expression of siRNA-uPAR transfected cells showed about 25% compared to parental cell lines by ELISA assay. It suggested that RNAi-uPAR tranfection might be used as a potent and specific therapeutic tool for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma, especially in inhibiting invasion and metastasis.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator(uPA) bound to urokinase plasminogen activator receptor(uPAR) expression is strongly correlated with the metastatic potential of various tumors by enhancing ECM degradation through plasminogen and matrix metallopreotease activation. But expression of uPA/uPAR in human malignant salivary gland tumors has been rarely reported. The purpose of this study were to investigate mRNA expression and cytologic concentration of uPAR in SGT cell line compared to various cancer cell lines by RT-PCR and ELISA method, and to study migration and adhesion assay. These results would be to apply the pathogenesis and prognosis of malignant salivary gland tumors. All the cell lines(SGT, HN 4, SCC 25, and HeLA) were cultured under DMEM with 10% FBS at 37℃ in a 5% CO2 incubator. We studied a possible association between mRNA expression and cytosolic concentrations of uPAR in SGT cell line compared to various cancer cell lines using RT-PCR and an enzyme-linked immunoassay( ELISA) method. And also cell adhesion and migration assay were done in all the cell lines. In migration assay SGT cell line was about 2.5-4 folds higher than another cell lines. In adhesion assay SGT cell line was about 1.1-2 folds higher than another cell lines. uPAR cytosolic concentrations of SGT cell line was about 3.4-10 folds by ELISA, while mRNA expression was about 2.5-5 folds by RT-PCR. Oral Scc cell lines showed the lowest value. uPAR protein and mRNA expression were correlated with migration and adhesion assay. From the aboving results, high cytosolic concentrations and mRNA expression of uPAR were correlated with migration and adhesion assay. It suggested that this might be a specific marker for malignant potential of SGT cell line and would be contributed to pathogenesis and prognosis of human salivary gland adenocarcinoma

The purpose of this study was to investigate the body composition, biochemical parameters, and consumption of convenience foods according to β-3 adrenergic receptor polymorphism in university students. A survey was conducted on a total of 486 students - 189 males and 297 females. Based on a self-reporting method, questionnaires were administered for over 20 minutes, and β-3 adrenergic receptor and blood samples were also analyzed. The genotype frequencies of β-3 adrenergic receptor polymorphism were Trp/Trp homozygote (73.0%) and Trp/Arg heterozygote (27.0%) in male students. For the female students, the distribution of genotypes was Trp/Trp (71.0%) and Trp/Arg (29.0%). There were no differences according to biochemical parameters (ALT, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and hemoglobin) or body composition. Males with TT genotype frequently ate Ramyon (2.40±0.52), Cup Ramyon (2.37±0.39), Kimchi (2.23±0.61), and frozen meat (2.00±0.44), whereas males with TA genotype ate Fries (frozen food) (1.90±0.79), Smoked meat (1.67±0.81), and Canned fruit (1.64±0.81). Females with TT genotype frequently ate Frozen fries (2.21±0.35), Kimbab (2.12±0.44), and Ramyon (1.85±0.40), whereas females with TA genotype frequently ate Kimchi (1.73±0.98), Fries (frozen food) (1.46±0.26), and Cup Ramyon (1.30±0.34). When questioned about satisfaction about body shape, 22.8 and 60.8% of those with TT genotype answered that they were 'satisfied' or needed to 'lose weight', respectively, whereas 18.0 and 63.9% of those with TA genotype answered that they were 'satisfied' or needed to 'lose weight', respectively. In conclusion, this study found no significant effects in terms of β-3 adrenergic receptor polymorphism, which suggests that health-promoting education needs to be developed so that university students appropriately recognize their bodies and control their weight in desirable ways. Therefore, it is necessary to educate individuals with TT genotype how to buy reasonable foods by understanding the interrelationship between convenience foods and health care and by checking the nutrition index labels on convenience foods. Thus, it is recommended that a health-promoting program be developed for the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

To search the potent pig pheromonal odorants through receptor-based approach methods, molecular dockings between 680 Flavornets as substrate molecule and pig odorants binding proteins OBP (1HQP) and PBP (1GM6) as receptor, and QSPR (quantitative structure-property relationship) analyses from physico-chemical parameters of Flavornets and their docking scores (DS) were performed and discussed quantitatively. From the basis on the findings, the optimal value (MSA)opt.=407.595 Å2 of MSA (molecular surface area; Å), and RB (number of rotational bond) had the Flavornets will be able to increase DS. Therefore, it is expected that the stearyl alcohol from DS and H-bond type between substrate and receptor would be shows the character as potent pig pheromonal odorant.

The support mechanisms that are involved in lymph node metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma remain largely unknown. Recent studies have demonstrated that tumor cells express chemokine receptors and use chemokines to metastasize to the target organ in many malignancies in humans There are few reports about the correlation between chemokin receptor CXCR-4 expression and clinicopathologic factors in oral squamous cell carcinomas. The object of this study was to evaluate the availabili ty of CXCR-4 expression as prognostic marker through correlation analysis of CXCR-4 expression in oral sq uamous cell carcinoma and its r elation to clinocopathologic factors and PCNA index. 80 we investigated CXCR-4 expression of 74 oral squamous cell carcinomas by immunohistochemistry. 44 out of 74 cases(59. 5%) showed CXCH-4 positive and 30 sampl es(40.5%) showed CXCH-4 negative. CXCH-4 expression showed statistically sig nificant correlation wi th lymph node metastasis(p=0.026) ‘ PCNA index (p=0.003) , survial rate(p=0.0003). From the results , it was suggested CXCR-4 oxpression might be useful a prognostic marker in oral squamous cell carClllomas

It is well known that the imbalance between epithelial cell growth and inhibitor factors may cause human epithelial cancer. Over-expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) has been implicated in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma. ZD1839 inhibits selectively the EGFR tyrosine kinase activity and is clinically used for cancer patients. However the mechanisms by which it exerts its anti-tumor activity remains unclear. This study attempted to determine the mechanisms underlying the effects of ZD1839 on the cellular level and to characterize the effects of ZD1839 with regard to human oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC) cell growth. The YD-10B and YD-38 cell lines established from OSCC in the department of Oral Pathology, Yonsei University College of Dentistry and ZD1839(Iressa) were used for this study. The inhibition of cell proliferation induced by ZD1839 was reversible and the lowest dose of ZD1839 that produced statistically significant growth inhibition in YD cell lines were 0.1 μM. The delay in cell cycle progression was induced by 0.1 μM of ZD1839 treatment after 24 hr. This reduction in cell proliferation and cell cycle delay were associated with up-regulation of the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor(CDKI), P21CIP1/WAF1 and P27KIP1. Reduced expression of cyclin D1 was also observed after treatment with ZD 1839 to YD-38 cells but not to YD-38. The present results suggest that the antiproliferative effects of ZD1839, in vitro was associated with degradation of cyclin D1, which may be used as a possible indicator of a high cell sensitivity to ZD1839.

저밀도 리포단백질 수용체 관련 단백질 5(LRP5)는 간과 췌장을 포함하여 많은 조직에서 발현하며 아포리포단백질 E와 결합한다. 이와 같은 LRP5 유전자의 체내 기능을 규명하기 위하여 LRP5 유전자가 결손된 생쥐를 개발하였다. 먼지 LRP5 genomic DNA는 TT2 ES 세포로부터 분리하였으며 LRP5 유전자의 엑손 18에 neo 유전자를 삽입한 vector를 구축하고 TT2 ES 세포에 도입하였다. 178개의 G418 내성을 보인 세포 중 상동유전자 재조합에 의하여 targeting vector가 LRP5 유전자 위치에 삽입된 clone은 3개였다. 키메라 생쥐는 상실배기 수정을 ES 세포와 응집시켜 생산하였으며 생산된 키메라 생쥐는 C57BL/6 생쥐와 교미를 유도하여 heterozygous를 얻었다. 또한 이들 heterozygous간의 교배에 의하여 LRP5 유전자 결손 생쥐를 생산하였다. 이러한 생쥐는 LRP5 유전자의 체내 기능연구에 있어서 모델로 이용될 것으로 생각된다.

세로토닌 수용체는 세로토닌과 반응하여 세포막의 G단백질을 통해 중개단백질 (adenylyl cyclase, phospholipase C, cGMP phosphodiesterase, ion channel)을 활성화시켜, 이뇨, 기억, 발생 등의 다양한 생리적 반응에 관여한다. 곤충세포인 Schneider2 (S2)와 척추동물 세포인 Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-Kl에서 Aedes 5-HT 수용체 유전자 발현을 비교하기 위해, Aedes 5-HT 수용체 유전자를 형질이입시켰다. 선발된 세포주들(Tr-S2, Tr-CHO)에서 세로토닌 수용체 유전자의 발현은 reverse transcription-PCR, Western blot, immunocytochemistry를 이용하여 확인하였다. 세로토닌 농도증가에 대한 Aedes 5-HT수용체의 기능을 세포 내 cAMP수준을 통해 조사한 결과,Tr-CHO 세포주는 Tr-S2 세포주보다 9배 이상 cAMP수준이 높게 나타났으며, 농도에 의존적이었다. 이 결과는 수용체 유전자가 세포에서 발현되었으나, 세포의 종류와 세포막에 존재하는 G단백질 차이에 따라 중개단백질 활성 차이가 있다는 것을 보여주었다. CHO-Kl 세포에서 Aedes 5-HT 수용체의 기능이 S2 세포보다 더 효율적이며, Aedes 5-HT 수용체를 발현하는 Tr-CHO 세포주는 동력제 또는 대립제 검정에 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다. 것으로 기대된다.

The imbalance between epithelial cell growth and inhibitory factors may cause human epithelial cancer. The dysregulation of growth inhibitory effect of TGF-β1 has been recognized in a variety of carcinomas. This study aimed to investigate the expression of TGF-β1 type II receptors(TβR-II) in the carcinogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC). Six cell lines established from OSCC in the department of Oral Pathology, Yonsei University College of Dentistry were used. DNA was extracted from harvested cells by phenol-chloroform method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done with each primer of exon 3, 4, 5, 6 of TβR-II gene. PCR products were inserted to cloning vector (pGEM-T easy vector) and then analyzed to automatic DNA sequencing analyzer. Reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) was performed to confirm the mRNA expression of TβR-II gene. Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of the TβR-II protein. As results, a frameshift within a polyadenine region of exon 3 was found in YD-8 cell line. In YD-17 cell line, a missense mutation at codon 238 of exon 4 was found, suggesting the alteration of amino acid from asparagine to aspartic acid. TβR-II mRNA was detected in all cancer cell lines, but it was slightly decreased as compared to that of normal oral mucosal cells. In Western blotting, no TβR-Ⅱ protein was detected in all OSCC cell lines. These results suggested that the altered regulation of TGF-β1 function might play a role in the development of OSCC.