Crocetin Induces Cytotoxicity in Colon Cancer Cells Via p53-independent Mechanisms

Li, Cai-Yan,Huang, Wen-Feng,Wang, Qun-Li,Wang, Fan,Cai, E.,Hu, Bing,Du, Jia-Cheng,Wang, Jing,Chen, Rong,Cai, Xiao-Jing,Feng, Jing,Li, Hui-Hui Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.8

Objective: Crocin has been proposed as a promising candidate for cancer chemoprevention. The purpose of this investigation was to investigate the chemopreventive action and the possible mechanisms of crocin against human colon cancer cells in vitro. Methods: Cell proliferation was examined using MTT assay and the cell cycle distribution fractions were analyzed using fow cytometric analysis after propidium iodide staining. Apoptosis was detected using theTUNEL Apoptosis Detection Kit with laser scanning confocal microscope. DNA damage was assessed using the alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis assay, while expression levels of p53, cdk2, cyclinA and P21 were examined by Western blot analysis. Results: Treatment of SW480 cells with crocetin (0.2, 0.4, 0.8 mmol/L) for 48 h signifcantly inhibited their proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Crocetin (0.8 mmol/L) signifcantly induced cell cycle arrest through p53-independent mechanisms accompanied by P21 induction. Crocetin (0.8 mmol/L) caused cytotoxicity in the SW480 cells by enhancing apoptosis and decreasing DNA repair capacity in a time-dependent manner. Conclusions: This report provides evidence that crocetin is a potential anticancer agent, which may be used as a chemotherapeutic drug.

Comparison on semantic network analysis based on consumer reviews in different units of text: A case study on smart watch

Cai Wang,Joong Hee Lee,Nam Woo Cho,Se Jin Song,Myung Hwan Yun 대한산업공학회 2019 대한산업공학회 추계학술대회논문집 Vol.2019 No.11

The study compares the outcome of semantic network analysis based on consumer reviews in two different units of text: paragraph and sentence. Taking Apple Watch Series 4 as a case study, review data was collected from Amazon. The overall process consists of text preprocessing, centrality measures, and cluster analysis. In centrality measures, consumer reviews in paragraph unit can yield more affective adjectives that reveal emotions or feelings of consumers towards the product. On the other hand, more nouns representing product features can be generated from reviews in sentence unit. Comparing the results of cluster analysis, the performance of review data in sentence unit is better. Topics can be created in each cluster based on reviews in sentence unit, and the average number of related words in clusters based on reviews in sentences are bigger. In conclusion, the sentence unit is suggested for semantic analysis when the information about significant product features and topics is required, and the paragraph unit is suggested when the emotions or feelings of users toward the product are required.

Aberrant DNA Methylation and Epigenetic Inactivation of hMSH2 Decrease Overall Survival of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients via Modulating Cell Cycle and Apoptosis

Wang, Cai-Xia,Wang, Xiang,Liu, Hai-Bai,Zhou, Zhi-Heng Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.1

Objective: Altered regulation of many transcription factors has been shown to play important roles in the development of leukemia. hMSH2 can modulate the activity of some important transcription factors and is known to be a regulator of hematopoietic differentiation. Herein, we investigated epigenetic regulation of hMSH2 and its influence on cell growth and overall survival of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. Methods: hMSH2 promoter methylation status was assessed by COBRA and pyrosequencing in 60 ALL patients and 30 healthy volunteers. mRNA and protein expression levels of hMSH2, PCNA, CyclinD1, Bcl-2 and Bax were determined by real time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The influence of hMSH2 on cell proliferation and survival was assessed in transient and stable expression systems. Results: mRNA and protein expression of hMSH2 and Bcl-2 was decreased, and that of PCNA, CyclinD1 and Bax was increased in ALL patients as compared to healthy volunteers (P<0.05). hMSH2 was inactivated in ALL patients through promoter hypermethylation. Furthermore, hMSH2 hypermethylation was found in relapsed ALL patients (85.7% of all cases). The median survival of patients with hMSH2 methylation was shorter than that of patients without hMSH2 methylation (log-rank test, P=0.0035). Over-expression of hMSH2 in cell lines resulted in a significant reduction in growth and induction of apoptosis. Conclusions: This study suggests that aberrant DNA methylation and epigenetic inactivation of hMSH2 play an important role in the development of ALL through altering cell growth and survival.

Glechomanamides A-C, Germacrane Sesquiterpenoids with an Unusual Δ⁸-7,12-Lactam Moiety from <i>Salvia scapiformis</i> and Their Antiangiogenic Activity

Wang, Cai Yi,Kim, Donghwa,Zhu, Yan Kui,Oh, Dong-Chan,Huang, Ri Zhen,Wang, Heng-Shan,Liang, Dong,Lee, Sang Kook American Society of Pharmacognosy 2019 Journal of natural products Vol.82 No.11

<P>Three new germacrane sesquiterpenoid-type alkaloids with an unusual Δ<SUP>8</SUP>-7,12-lactam moiety, glechomanamides A-C (<B>1</B>-<B>3</B>), and two pairs of 7,12-hemiketal sesquiterpenoid epimers (<B>4a</B>/<B>b</B>, <B>5a</B>/<B>b</B>) were isolated from <I>Salvia scapiformis</I>. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including HRESIMS, IR, UV, and 1D and 2D NMR and also confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The chemical transformation of compounds <B>1</B>-<B>5</B> in a solution environment was analyzed by 2D NMR spectroscopy. The aza acetallactams (<B>1</B>-<B>3</B>) were stable in organic solvent, while single crystals of the hemiacetal esters (<B>4a</B>/<B>b</B>, <B>5a</B>/<B>b</B>) underwent a tautomeric equilibrium after being dissolved. Single crystals of <B>4a</B>, <B>4b</B>, and <B>5a</B> were obtained for the first time as their naturally occurring forms. Glechomanamide B (<B>2</B>) exhibited antiangiogenic activity by suppression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced tube formation through modulation of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2)-mediated signaling pathways in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). In addition, compound <B>2</B> also showed the significant suppression of mRNA expression associated with glycolysis and angiogenesis biomarkers in high glucose (30 mM)-induced HUVECs. These findings suggest that compound <B>2</B> might be a potential lead compound candidate for the management of diabetic retinopathy.</P> [FIG OMISSION]</BR>

Detecting the origin of luminescence in Er³⁺-doped hexagonal Na_1.5Gd_1.5F₆ phosphors

Wang, Xiangfu,Bu, Yanyan,Yan, Xiaohong,Cai, Peiqing,Wang, Jing,Qin, Lin,Vu, Thiquynh,Seo, Hyo Jin OPTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2016 Optics letters Vol.41 No.22

<P>Understanding site-selective fluorescence is one of valuable importance for spectrum modulation. In this Letter, we observed the existence of two non-equivalent Gd-activated crystallographic sites in an Er3+-doped hexagonal Na1.5Gd1.5F6 phosphor. It is proved that two green emissions from the S-4(3/2) level separately originate from the Gd1 (540 nm) and Na2/Gd2 (550-555 nm) crystallographic sites, and the 657 nm red emission from the F-4(9/2) level only originates from Na2/Gd2 site through using the time-resolved luminescence spectra. The 142.2% absolute enhancement of the red emission is realized through the synergistic effect of ultraviolet downconversion and infrared upconversion induced by the 370 nm and 1.54 mu m dual-mode excitation. (C) 2016 Optical Society of America</P>

Guided Task Support from Artificial Intelligence Assistant: User Study based on Speech Length & Interaction Method

Cai Wang,Hwan Lee,Jane Lee,Myung Hwan Yun 대한인간공학회 2023 대한인간공학회 학술대회논문집 Vol.2023 No.5

Identification and Validation of Four Novel Promoters for Gene Engineering with Broad Suitability across Species

( Cai-yun Wang ),( Li-cheng Liu ),( Ying-cai Wu ),( Yi-xuan Zhang ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2021 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.31 No.8

The transcriptional capacities of target genes are strongly influenced by promoters, whereas few studies have focused on the development of robust, high-performance and cross-species promoters for wide application in different bacteria. In this work, four novel promoters (P_k.rtufB, P_k.r1, P_k.r2, and P_k.r3) were predicted from Ketogulonicigenium robustum and their inconsistency in the -10 and -35 region nucleotide sequences indicated they were different promoters. Their activities were evaluated by using green fluorescent protein (gfp) as a reporter in different species of bacteria, including K. vulgare SPU B805, Pseudomonas putida KT2440, Paracoccus denitrificans PD1222, Bacillus licheniformis and Raoultella ornithinolytica, due to their importance in metabolic engineering. Our results showed that the four promoters had different activities, with P_k.r1 showing the strongest activity in almost all of the experimental bacteria. By comparison with the commonly used promoters of E. coli (tufB, lac, lacUV5), K. vulgare (Psdh, Psndh) and P. putida KT2440 (JE111411), the four promoters showed significant differences due to only 12.62% nucleotide similarities, and relatively higher ability in regulating target gene expression. Further validation experiments confirmed their ability in initiating the target minCD cassette because of the shape changes under the promoter regulation. The overexpression of sorbose dehydrogenase and cytochrome c551 by P_k.r1 and P_k.r2 resulted in a 22.75% enhancement of 2-KGA yield, indicating their potential for practical application in metabolic engineering. This study demonstrates an example of applying bioinformatics to find new biological components for gene operation and provides four novel promoters with broad suitability, which enriches the usable range of promoters to realize accurate regulation in different genetic backgrounds.

Preliminary redesign proposal to engage users with wrist-type wearables

Cai Wang,Joong Hee Lee,Kyung-Jun Lee,Jaramier, C. Joibi,Myung Hwan Yun 대한인간공학회 2018 대한인간공학회 학술대회논문집 Vol.2018 No.5

Preparation of porous cordierite ceramic with acid-leached coal gangue

Wang Xu-Dong,Xu Hai-Yan,Zhang Feng-Jun,Li Dong-Cai,Wang Ai-Guo,Sun Dao-Sheng,오원춘 한국세라믹학회 2020 한국세라믹학회지 Vol.57 No.4

The eff ect of impurities in coal gangue on the sintering and properties (porosity and compressive strength) of porous cordierite ceramics has been investigated by adjusting the amount of impurities by controlling the acid–gangue ratio during acid leaching. The sintering behavior and microstructure of the porous ceramics have been characterized via X-ray diff ractometry and scanning electron microscopy. The eff ects of both the acid–gangue ratio and sintering temperature on the porosity and compressive strength have been also investigated. The results indicated that both porosity and compressive strength of the porous cordierite ceramics prepared using acid-leached coal gangue were evidently improved. The content of the impurities in coal gangue was adjusted via acid leaching by controlling the acid–gangue ratio. The appropriate content of impurities in coal gangue facilitated the sintering process and improved the porosity and compressive strength of the obtained porous cordierite ceramics.

The putative polysaccharide synthase AfCps1 regulates Aspergillus fumigatus morphogenesis and conidia immune response in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages

Wang Sha,Yuan Anjie,Zeng Liping,Hou Sikai,Wang Meng,Li Lei,Cai Zhendong,Zhong Guowei 한국미생물학회 2021 The journal of microbiology Vol.59 No.1

Aspergillus fumigatus is a well-known opportunistic pathogen that causes invasive aspergillosis (IA) infections with high mortality in immunosuppressed individuals. Morphogenesis, including hyphal growth, conidiation, and cell wall biosynthesis is crucial in A. fumigatus pathogenesis. Based on a previous random insertional mutagenesis library, we identified the putative polysaccharide synthase gene Afcps1 and its paralog Afcps2. Homologs of the cps gene are commonly found in the genomes of most fungal and some bacterial pathogens. Afcps1/cpsA is important in sporulation, cell wall composition, and virulence. However, the precise regulation patterns of cell wall integrity by Afcps1/cpsA and further effects on the immune response are poorly understood. Specifically, our in-depth study revealed that Afcps1 affects cell-wall stability, showing an increased resistance of ΔAfcps1 to the chitinmicrofibril destabilizing compound calcofluor white (CFW) and susceptibility of ΔAfcps1 to the β-(1,3)-glucan synthase inhibitor echinocandin caspofungin (CS). Additionally, deletion of Afcps2 had a normal sporulation phenotype but caused hypersensitivity to Na+ stress, CFW, and Congo red (CR). Specifically, quantitative analysis of cell wall composition using high-performance anion exchange chromatography- pulsed amperometric detector (HPAEC-PAD) analysis revealed that depletion of Afcps1 reduced cell wall glucan and chitin contents, which was consistent with the downregulation of expression of the corresponding biosynthesis genes. Moreover, an elevated immune response stimulated by conidia of the ΔAfcps1 mutant in marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) during phagocytosis was observed. Thus, our study provided new insights into the function of polysaccharide synthase Cps1, which is necessary for the maintenance of cell wall stability and the adaptation of conidia to the immune response of macrophages in A. fumigatus.