A Novel Bi-directional Promoter Cloned from Melon and Its Activity in Cucumber and Tobacco

( Cui Yan Wang ),( Dong Feng Ding ),( Rui Xiang Yan ),( Xiao Ju Yu ),( Wei Dong Li ),( Ming Gang Li ) 한국식물학회 2008 Journal of Plant Biology Vol.51 No.2

A bi-directional promoter, DP, was cloned by PCR amplification using the genomic DNA of melon as template. Analysis of its cis-acting elements in both directions revealed a series of inducible regulatory elements and some enhancer elements. To evaluate its transcriptional activity, DP in both directions was then cloned into vector pBI121 to replace the CaMV 35S promoter. DP in both directions also was inserted downstream of CaMV 35S to investigate whether the double promoter might affect expression of the uidA reporter gene at higher levels. Transient expression in cucumber leaves, stems, and fruits as well as in tobacco leaves and stems showed that DP in both directions drove transcription to much higher levels than did the single promoter CaMV 35S. However, activity of the double promoter was lower than the corresponding activity of the single promoter DP in both directions. These results demonstrate that DP is a natural bi-directional promoter, with much more activity than is found with the CaMV 35S promoter. Furthermore, in cucumber and tobacco, it is not suitable to insert DP in either direction downstream of the CaMV 35S promoter to form a double promoter.

A mixture of seaweed extracts and glycosaminoglycans from sea squirts inhibits α-MSH-induced melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells

Wang, Lei,Cui, Yong Ri,Yang, Hye-Won,Lee, Hyo Geun,Ko, Ju-Young,Jeon, You-Jin The Korean Society of Fisheries and Aquatic Scienc 2019 Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Vol.22 No.5

Background: In the present study, the skin-whitening effects of a marine-sourced mixture that includes a fucoidanrich extract of Undaria pinnatifida (UPEF), a phlorotannin-rich extract of Ecklonia cava (ECE), and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) from sea squirt skin were investigated. Methods: The whitening effects of the mixture and its components were evaluated by measuring the inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase and melanin synthesis in alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (${\alpha}$-MSH)-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells. Results: Each component alone markedly inhibited mushroom tyrosinase in a dose-dependent manner, and in ${\alpha}$-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells, they inhibited melanin synthesis and were cytotoxic. However, the whitening effects of UPEF, ECE, and GAGs in combination were greater than those of each component alone. A mixture in the ratio of 4:5:1 (UEG-451) showed the strongest activity without cytotoxicity. Further study suggested that UEG-451 inhibits ${\alpha}$-MSH-stimulated melanogenesis in B16F10 cells by downregulating tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related proteins, such as TRP-1 and TRP-2, via the inhibition of MITF expression. Conclusions: These results suggest that mixing the different components at optimum ratios might be an effective way to improve their bioactivities and reduce toxicity and that UEG-451 possesses strong whitening effects that could be used in the cosmetic industry.

Positive Association Between IL-16 rs11556218 T/G Polymorphism and Cancer Risk: a Meta-analysis

Mo, Cui-Ju,Peng, Qi-Liu,He, Yu,Wang, Jian,Xie, Li,Li, Tai-Jie,Li, Shan,Qin, Xue Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.11

Background: Interleukin-16 (IL-16) is a multifunctional cytokine which plays a key role in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases as well as in cancer. Genetic polymorphisms of IL-16 have been implicated in susceptibility to cancer. However, associations remain inconclusive. The present meta-analysis was therefore carried out to establish a more conclusive association of IL-16 polymorphisms with cancer risk. Materials and Methods: Relevant studies were searched through the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Wan fang electronic databases updated in October 2013. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used to assess the association between IL-16 polymorphisms and cancer risk. Results: Eight eligible studies (rs4778889 T/C: 8, rs11556218 T/G: 7, rs4072111 C/T: 6) that met our selection criteria were included. The meta-analysis indicated that rs11556218 T/G was associated with a significant increased risk of cancer (G vs. T, OR=1.321, 95% CI=1.142-1.528, P<0.001; TG vs. TT, OR=1.665, 95% CI=1.448-1.915, P<0.001; GG+TG vs. TT, OR=1.622, 95% CI=1.416-1.858, P<0.001),as well as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and colorectal cancer. Furthermore, in the subgroup of Chinese, significant associations were found between rs11556218 polymorphism and cancer risk. There was no statistically significant association between the other two variants (rs4778889, rs4072111) and risk of cancer. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that the IL-16 rs11556218 polymorphism is associated with increased cancer risk. Large well-designed studies involving various cancer types and different populations are now needed.

A mixture of seaweed extracts and glycosaminoglycans from sea squirts inhibits α-MSH-induced melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells

Lei Wang,Yong Ri Cui,양혜원,이효근,Ju-Young Ko,전유진 한국수산과학회 2019 Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Vol.22 No.2

Background: In the present study, the skin-whitening effects of a marine-sourced mixture that includes a fucoidanrich extract of Undaria pinnatifida (UPEF), a phlorotannin-rich extract of Ecklonia cava (ECE), and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) from sea squirt skin were investigated. Methods: The whitening effects of the mixture and its components were evaluated by measuring the inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase and melanin synthesis in alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells. Results: Each component alone markedly inhibited mushroom tyrosinase in a dose-dependent manner, and in α- MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells, they inhibited melanin synthesis and were cytotoxic. However, the whitening effects of UPEF, ECE, and GAGs in combination were greater than those of each component alone. A mixture in the ratio of 4:5:1 (UEG-451) showed the strongest activity without cytotoxicity. Further study suggested that UEG-451 inhibits α-MSH-stimulated melanogenesis in B16F10 cells by downregulating tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related proteins, such as TRP-1 and TRP-2, via the inhibition of MITF expression. Conclusions: These results suggest that mixing the different components at optimum ratios might be an effective way to improve their bioactivities and reduce toxicity and that UEG-451 possesses strong whitening effects that could be used in the cosmetic industry.

Coloration and Decoloration of Textiles Using a TiO2 Composite Pigment

Xiao Wang,Yunzhe Xie,Cheng Huang,Yongzhu Cui,Lihua Lyu,Yuping Zhao,Ju Wei 한국섬유공학회 2018 Fibers and polymers Vol.19 No.7

A colorable pigment was prepared by dye adsorption onto titanium dioxide and subsequent silane coating. The effects of pH value, dye concentration, and adsorption times on dye adsorption were discussed. Large adsorption capacity of an anionic dye was obtained at pH value of 2 and the adsorption process was well described by the Langmuir isotherm model. Good dyeability and color fastness of pigment dyed fabric were achieved in the normal life cycle under sunlight. The decoloration of pigment was realized through photocatalytic degradation of dye molecules by titanium dioxide under ultraviolet irradiation when reusing the pigment dyed textiles after disposal. The new absorption peaks in the FTIR spectrum at 2924.95 cm-1, 1714.91 cm-1, 1461.17 cm-1, and 1289 cm-1 verified silane modification. Silane modification improved fixation of dyes onto the pigment and immobilization of pigments onto substrates. The close attachment of silane coating layer to titanium dioxide was conducive to photodegradation of dye molecules in the pigment.

Acetolactate Synthase Proline (197) Mutations Confer Tribenuron-Methyl Resistance in Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik.) Populations from China Hebei Province

Hai-lan Cui,Xiang-ju Li,Gui-qi Wang,Shou-hui Wei,Jian-ping Wang,Hong-yu Cao 한국잡초학회 2011 한국잡초학회 별책(학술대회 초록집) Vol.31 No.2

Synergistic Enhancement of the Strength-Ductility for Stir Casting SiCp/2024Al Composites by Two-Step Deformation

Fu‑xiang Cao,Kun‑kun Deng,Cui‑ju Wang,Kai‑bo Nie,Wei Liang,Jian‑feng Fan 대한금속·재료학회 2021 METALS AND MATERIALS International Vol.27 No.12

The 10 μm 10 vol% SiCp/2024Al composites sheet was successfully fabricated by semi-solid stir casting followed withtwo-step deformation (extrusion and rolling). The two-step thermal deformation solves the sheet rolling formability of theSiCp/2024Al composites produced by stir casting. Compared with the SiCp/2024Al composites prepared by traditional powdermetallurgy, this paper innovatively studied the synergistic enhancement between CuAl2phase and SiCpon the mechanicalproperties. The result shows that the two-step deformation can significantly improve the uniformity of the distribution of SiCpand CuAl2phases. At the same time, the average size of the SiCpand CuAl2phase decreases after the two-step deformation. During the hot extrusion, SiCphas an obvious hindrance to the refinement of the CuAl2phase. Moreover, the SiCp/2024Alcomposites sheet exhibits excellent yield strength (295 MPa), ultimate tensile strength (489 MPa), and elongation (10.42%). The performance improvement of SiCp/2024Al after two-step thermal deformation is mainly attributed to the improvedinterface bonding strength of SiCp-2024 Al matrix, the refined SiCpand the more uniform distribution of SiCp.

SF6 abatement in a packed bed plasma reactor: Role of zirconia size and optimization using RSM

Yuan Tian,Xiaoxing Zhang,Yufei Wang,Zhaolun Cui,Ju Tang 한국공업화학회 2021 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.94 No.-

This work describes plasma destruction of SF6 in a zirconia (ZrO2) packed bed plasma reactor (PBR). Electric signals, equivalent parameters, emission spectra and degradation results have been utilized toevaluate the influence of ZrO2 size on PBR discharge characteristics and SF6 degradation. The resultspresent that the size of ZrO2 has a significant impact on PBR discharge characteristics due to its influenceon physical parameters. Moreover, bigger ZrO2 beads packing shows a better performance in SF6degradation because of longer gas residence time. In addition, the key operating parameters includingflowrate, SF6 concentration, oxygen concentration, and water vapor concentration were optimized byresponse surface methodology (RSM) with Box-Behnken design (BBD). The proposed optimization modelshows satisfactory correlation between the predicted and actual results. For energy yield (EY), the mutualeffect offlowrate, SF6 concentration and water vapor concentration was significant. For SO2F2 selectivity,the mutual effect of SF6 concentration and water vapor concentration was significant. The optimum SF6abatement was predicted from RSM as 14.64 g/kWh and 14.42% for EY and SO2F2 selectivity atflowrate of200 mL/min, SF6 concentration of 3%, oxygen concentration of 0.83% and water vapor concentration of1.89%.

Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 (FABP5) Promotes Aggressiveness of Gastric Cancer Through Modulation of Tumor Immunity

Shu Zhang,Mei-qing Qiu,Hui-jun Wang,Ya-fei Ju,Zhen Liu,Tao Wang,Shi-feng Kan,Zhen Yang,Ya-yun Cui,You-qiang Ke,Hong-min He,Li Sun 대한위암학회 2023 Journal of gastric cancer Vol.23 No.2

Purpose: Gastric cancer (GC) is the second most lethal cancer globally and is associated with poor prognosis. Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) can regulate biological properties of carcinoma cells. FABP5 is overexpressed in many types of cancers; however, the role and mechanisms of action of FABP5 in GC remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical and biological functions of FABP5 in GC. Materials and Methods: We assessed FABP5 expression using immunohistochemical analysis in 79 patients with GC and evaluated its biological functions following in vitro and in vivo ectopic expression. FABP5 targets relevant to GC progression were determined using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Results: Elevated FABP5 expression was closely associated with poor outcomes, and ectopic expression of FABP5 promoted proliferation, invasion, migration, and carcinogenicity of GC cells, thus suggesting its potential tumor-promoting role in GC. Additionally, RNA-seq analysis indicated that FABP5 activates immune-related pathways, including cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathways, interleukin-17 signaling, and tumor necrosis factor signaling, suggesting an important rationale for the possible development of therapies that combine FABP5-targeted drugs with immunotherapeutics. Conclusions: These findings highlight the biological mechanisms and clinical implications of FABP5 in GC and suggest its potential as an adverse prognostic factor and/or therapeutic target.

Ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 reduces KIF20A expression and promotes CDC25A proteasomal degradation in epithelial ovarian cancer

Rong Zhang,Lei Li,Huihui Li,Hansong Bai,Yuping Suo,Ju Cui,Yingmei Wang 고려인삼학회 2024 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.48 No.1

Background: Ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 shows promising tumor-suppressive effects in ovarian cancer viainhibiting NF-kB signaling. This study aimed to explore the downstream tumor suppressive mechanismsof ginsenoside Rg3 via this signaling pathway. Materials and methods: A systematical screening was applied to examine the expression profile of 41kinesin family member genes in ovarian cancer. The regulatory effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on KIF20Aexpression was studied. In addition, we explored interacting proteins of KIF20A and their molecularregulations in ovarian cancer. RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used for bioinformaticanalysis. Epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV3 and A2780 were used as in vitro and in vivocell models. Commercial human ovarian cancer tissue arrays were used for immunohistochemistrystaining. Results: KIF20A is a biomarker of poor prognosis among the kinesin genes. It promotes ovarian cancercell growth in vitro and in vivo. Ginsenoside Rg3 can suppress the transcription of KIF20A. GST pull-downand co-immunoprecipitation (IP) assays confirmed that KIF20A physically interacts with BTRC (b-TrCP1),a substrate recognition subunit for SCFb TrCP E3 ubiquitin ligase. In vitro ubiquitination and cycloheximide(CHX) chase assays showed that via interacting with BTRC, KIF20A reduces BTRC-mediated CDC25Apoly-ubiquitination and enhances its stability. Ginsenoside Rg3 treatment partly abrogates KIF20Aoverexpression-induced CDC25A upregulation. Conclusion: This study revealed a novel anti-tumor mechanism of ginsenoside Rg3. It can inhibit KIF20Atranscription and promote CDC25A proteasomal degradation in epithelial ovarian cancer.