Self-assembled Photonic Crystal for Biomedical Application

Zhongze GU 한국생물공학회 2016 한국생물공학회 학술대회 Vol.2016 No.10

Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Goldfish (Carassius auratus) Caused by Exposure to Different Concentrations of Micro-polystyrene

Zhongze Li,송진아,최철영 한국해양과학기술원 2021 Ocean and Polar Research Vol.43 No.3

Microplastic contamination in waterbodies is a growing source of concern for researchers and other stakeholders. We investigated oxidative stress and toxicity in goldfish (Carassius auratus) in response to exposure to 1-μm diameter micro-polystyrene (MP) at concentrations of 0, 10, 100, and 1000 beads/mL (MP 0, MP 10, MP 100, and MP 1000 groups) for 7 d (at day 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7). We analyzed the survival rates; superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) mRNA expression levels in the liver; SOD and CAT activity in the plasma; caspase-3 mRNA expression in the liver; and the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in plasma. Terminal transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays were also conducted to determine apoptosis levels in the liver. All fish in the MP 1000 group died by day 7 and the MP 100 group had a lower survival rate than the MP 10 and MP 0 groups. The mRNA expression as well as SOD, CAT, and caspase-3 activity levels were increased significantly with increases in MP concentration and exposure time. Finally, according to the TUNEL assay, more apoptosis was observed in the MP 1000 group at day 5 than in other groups. In summary, MP concentrations above 100 beads/mL caused death and oxidative stress to goldfish. We conclude that MP can cause oxidative stress and apoptosis in goldfish, which leads to death.

Biosorption of Zn2+ and Pb2+ from aqueous solutions using native and microwave treated Flammulina velutipes stipe

Yun Wu,Zhongze Zhou,Ruiwen Yan,Jun Zheng 한국화학공학회 2014 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.31 No.8

Native stipe (NS) and microwave treated stipe (MTS) of Flammulina velutipes were utilized for the biosorptionof Zn2+ and Pb2+ ions from aqueous solution. The effects of pH, contact time, and initial concentration on thebiosorption were studied for each metal separately. The desired pH of aqueous solution was found to be 6.0 for theremoval of Zn2+ ions and 5.0 for the removal of Pb2+ ions. The percent removal of both metals was found to increasewith the increase in contact time; biosorption equilibrium was established in about 60min. The maximum biosorptionof Zn2+ and Pb2+ ions from single component systems can be successfully described by Langmuir and Freundlich models;the biosorption kinetics can be accurately described by a second-order kinetic model. The present data from these studiesconfirms that the native and microwave treated forms of Flammulina velutipes stipe have the potential to be used forthe biosorption of Zn2+ and Pb2+ ions from aqueous solution. The metal biosorption capacities of NS for Zn2+ and Pb2+were 58.14 and 151.51 mg g−1, respectively, while the biosorption capacities of MTS for the both metals were 95.24and 172.41 mg g−1, respectively.

Gene Flow from Transgenic Rice to Conventional Rice in China

( Xiao-xuan Du ),( Zhongze Piao ),( Kyung-min Kim ),( Gang-seob Lee ) 한국육종학회 2021 Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Vol.9 No.4

Global area of genetically modified crops (GM crops or biotech crops) continues to grow. It was 189.9 million hectares in 2017. Recently, a total of 24 countries have approved GM crops for planting and additional 43 countries have formally imported biotech crops for food, feed, and processing, meaning that biotech crops are now commonly accepted in those countries. With the continuous growth of the global population and the impact of climate change, research and commercialization of genetically modified crops are important for solving global food security issues in the future. At present, a large number of GM rice varieties have been cultivated in China (Chen et al. 2004; Jia 2004). Among them, GM rice varieties with insect resistance (Bt, CpTI genes), disease resistance (Xa21 genes), and herbicide resistance (bar, EPSPs genes) are waiting for relevant planting permits (Chen et al. 2004). In particular, two varieties, “Huahua 1” and “Shanyou 63”, developed by China Huazhong Agriculture Co., Ltd. have obtained GM rice safety certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture of China. However, there is still a lot of controversy in South Korea on the commercialization and safety research of GM products. This article aims to conduct a rational analysis of China's GM rice pollen mobility and China's current GM rice commercialization process to provide relevant reference basis for safety evaluation and future commercialization process of GM rice in South Korea.

Identification of QTLs Associated with Physiological Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Rice

조영일,고희종,Wenzhu Jiang,진중현,Zhongze Piao,조용구,Susan McCouch 한국분자세포생물학회 2007 Molecules and cells Vol.23 No.1

Protective Effects of Green Tea Polyphenol Against Renal Injury Through ROS-Mediated JNK-MAPK Pathway in Lead Exposed Rats

Wang, Haidong,Li, Deyuan,Hu, Zhongze,Zhao, Siming,Zheng, Zhejun,Li, Wei Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology 2016 Molecules and cells Vol.39 No.6

To investigate the potential therapeutic effects of polyphenols in treating Pb induced renal dysfunction and intoxication and to explore the detailed underlying mechanisms. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control groups (CT), Pb exposure groups (Pb), Pb plus Polyphenols groups (Pb+PP) and Polyphenols groups (PP). Animals were kept for 60 days and sacrificed for tests of urea, serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Histological evaluations were then performed. In vitro studies were performed using primary kidney mesangial cells to reveal detailed mechanisms. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to evaluate cell viability. Pb induced cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and scavenging were tested by DCFH-DA. Expression level of tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$), interleukin-1-${\beta}$ (IL-1-${\beta}$) and IL-6 were assayed by ELISA. Western blot and qPCR were used to measure the expression of ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and p38. Polyphenols have obvious protective effects on Pb induced renal dysfunction and intoxication both in vivo and in vitro. Polyphenols reduced Pb concentration and accumulation in kidney. Polyphenols also protected kidney mesangial cells from Pb induced apoptosis. Polyphenols scavenged Pb induced ROS generation and suppressed ROS-mediated ERK/JNK/p38 pathway. Downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines were inhibited in consistency. Polyphenol is protective in Pb induced renal intoxication and inflammatory responses. The underlying mechanisms lie on the antioxidant activity and ROS scavenging activity of polyphenols.

Protective Effects of Green Tea Polyphenol Against Renal Injury Through ROS-Mediated JNK-MAPK Pathway in Lead Exposed Rats

Wei Li,Haidong Wang,Deyuan Li,Zhongze Hu,Siming Zhao,Zhejun Zheng 한국분자세포생물학회 2016 Molecules and cells Vol.39 No.6

To investigate the potential therapeutic effects of polyphenols in treating Pb induced renal dysfunction and intoxication and to explore the detailed underlying mechanisms. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control groups (CT), Pb exposure groups (Pb), Pb plus Polyphenols groups (Pb+PP) and Polyphenols groups (PP). Animals were kept for 60 days and sacrificed for tests of urea, serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Histological evaluations were then performed. In vitro studies were performed using primary kidney mesangial cells to reveal detailed mechanisms. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to evaluate cell viability. Pb induced cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and scavenging were tested by DCFH-DA. Expression level of tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-), interleukin-1- (IL-1-) and IL-6 were assayed by ELISA. Western blot and qPCR were used to measure the expression of ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and p38. Polyphenols have obvious protective effects on Pb induced renal dysfunction and intoxication both in vivo and in vitro. Polyphenols reduced Pb concentration and accumulation in kidney. Polyphenols also protected kidney mesangial cells from Pb induced apoptosis. Polyphenols scavenged Pb in-duced ROS generation and suppressed ROS-mediated ERK/JNK/p38 pathway. Downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines were inhibited in consistency. Polyphenol is protective in Pb induced renal intoxication and inflammatory responses. The underlying mechanisms lie on the antioxidant activity and ROS scavenging activity of polyphenols.

Fine Mapping and Candidate Gene Analysis of the Floury Endosperm Gene, FLO(a), in Rice

Yongli Qiao,Song-I Lee,Rihua Piao,Wenzhu Jiang,함태호,진중현,Zhongze Piao,Longzhi Han,강시용,Hee-Jong Koh 한국분자세포생물학회 2010 Molecules and cells Vol.29 No.2

In addition to its role as an energy source for plants, ani-mals and humans, starch is also an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. In rice, the eating and cooking quality of the grain is determined by its starch properties. The floury endosperm of rice has been ex-plored as an agronomical trait in breeding and genetics studies. In the present study, we characterized a floury endosperm mutant, flo(a), derived from treatment of Oryza sativa ssp. japonica cultivar Hwacheong with MNU. The innermost endosperm of the flo(a) mutant exhibited floury characteristics while the outer layer of the endosperm appeared normal. Starch granules in the flo(a) mutant formed a loosely-packed crystalline structure and X-ray diffraction revealed that the overall crystallinity of the starch was decreased compared to wild-type. The FLO(a) gene was isolated via a map-based cloning approach and predicted to encode the tetratricopeptide repeat domain-containing protein, OsTPR. Three mutant alleles contain a nucleotide substitution that generated one stop codon or one splice site, respectively, which presumably disrupts the interaction of the functionally conserved TPR motifs. Taken together, our map-based cloning approach pin-pointed an OsTPR as a strong candidate of FLO(a), and the proteins that contain TPR motifs might play a significant role in rice starch biosynthetic pathways.

Fine Mapping and Candidate Gene Analysis of the Floury Endosperm Gene, FLO(a), in Rice

Qiao, Yongli,Lee, Song-I,Piao, Rihua,Jiang, Wenzhu,Ham, Tae-Ho,Chin, Joong-Hyoun,Piao, Zhongze,Han, Longzhi,Kang, Si-Yong,Koh, Hee-Jong Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology 2010 Molecules and cells Vol.29 No.2

In addition to its role as an energy source for plants, animals and humans, starch is also an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. In rice, the eating and cooking quality of the grain is determined by its starch properties. The floury endosperm of rice has been explored as an agronomical trait in breeding and genetics studies. In the present study, we characterized a floury endosperm mutant, flo(a), derived from treatment of Oryza sativa ssp. japonica cultivar Hwacheong with MNU. The innermost endosperm of the flo(a) mutant exhibited floury characteristics while the outer layer of the endosperm appeared normal. Starch granules in the flo(a) mutant formed a loosely-packed crystalline structure and X-ray diffraction revealed that the overall crystallinity of the starch was decreased compared to wild-type. The FLO(a) gene was isolated via a map-based cloning approach and predicted to encode the tetratricopeptide repeat domaincontaining protein, OsTPR. Three mutant alleles contain a nucleotide substitution that generated one stop codon or one splice site, respectively, which presumably disrupts the interaction of the functionally conserved TPR motifs. Taken together, our map-based cloning approach pinpointed an OsTPR as a strong candidate of FLO(a), and the proteins that contain TPR motifs might play a significant role in rice starch biosynthetic pathways.

Norcantharidin Anti-Angiogenesis Activity Possibly through an Endothelial Cell Pathway in Human Colorectal Cancer

Yu, Tao,Hou, Fenggang,Liu, Manman,Zhou, Lihong,Li, Dan,Liu, Jianrong,Fan, Zhongze,Li, Qi Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.2

The present study was based on the unexpected discovery that norcantharidin exerted anti-angiogenesis activity when effects on growth of human colon cancer were studied. The aim was to further verify this finding and explore possible mechanisms using a tumor xenograft model in nude mice. We confirmed that norcantharidin (5 or 15 mg/kg) could inhibit angiogenesis of human colon cancer in vivo. In vitro, crossing river assay, cell adhesion assay and tube formation assay indicated that NCTD could reduce the migration, adhesion and vascular network tube formation ability of HUVECs. At the same time, the expression levels of VEGF and VEGFR-2 proteins which play important roles in angiogenesis were reduced as examined by western blotting analysis. Taken together, the results firstly showed NCTD could inhibit angiogenesis of human colon cancer in vivo, probably associated with effects on migration, adhesion and vascular network tube formation of HUVECs and expression levels of VEGF and VEGFR-2 proteins.