Molecular cloning and characterization of novel human JNK2 (MAPK9) transcript variants that show different stimulation activities on AP-1

( Ping Zhang Wang ),( Ying Xiong ),( Chuan Ma ),( Tai Ping Shi ),( Da Long Ma ) 생화학분자생물학회 (구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2010 BMB Reports Vol.43 No.11

The c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway participates in many physiological functions. In the current study we reported the cloning and characterization of five novel JNK2 transcript variants, which were designated as JNK2 α3, JNK2 α4, JNK2 β3, JNK2 γ1 and JNK2 γ2, respectively. Among them, JNK2 α4 and JNK2 γ2 are potential non-coding RNA because they contain pre-mature stop codons. Both JNK2α3 and JNK2β3 contain an intact kinase domain, and both encode a protein product of 46 kDa, the same as those of JNK2α1 and JNK2β1. JNK2γ1 contains a disrupted kinase domain and it showed a disable function. When over-expressed in mammalian cells, JNK2α3 showed higher activity on AP-1 than that of JNK2β3 and JNK2γ1. Furthermore, JNK2α3 and JNK2β3 showed different levels of substrate phosphorylation, although they both could promote the proliferation of 293T cells. Our results further demonstrate that JNK2 isoforms preferentially target different substrates and may regulate the expression of various target genes. [BMB reports 2010; 43(11): 738-743]

Human HS1BP3 induces cell apoptosis and activates AP-1

( Tai Ping Shi ),( Jie Shi Xie ),( Ying Xiong ),( Wei Wei Deng ),( Jin Hai Guo ),( Feng Wang ),( Da Long Ma ) 생화학분자생물학회(구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2011 BMB Reports Vol.44 No.6

In the present study, we characterized the function of HS1-binding protein 3 (HS1BP3), which is mutated in essential tremor and may be involved in lymphocyte activation. We found that HS1BP3 localized to the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum partially. Overexpression of HS1BP3 induced apoptosis in HEK293T and HeLa cell lines. When these cell lines were transfected with HS1BP3, they exhibited nuclear DNA condensation, externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS), and cleavage of poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP). Furthermore, suppression of HS1BP3 or HS1 expression attenuates HS1BP3 induced apoptosis. In addition, HS1BP3 enhanced activator protein 1 (AP-1)-mediated transcription in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, we conclude that HS1BP3 regulates apoptosis via HS1 and stimulates AP-1-mediated transcription. [BMB reports 2011; 44(6): 381-386]

RV-23, a Melittin-Related Peptide with Cell-Selective Antibacterial Activity and High Hemocompatibility

( Shi Kun Zhang ),( Qian Ma ),( Su Bo Li ),( Hong Wei Gao ),( Ying Xia Tan ),( Feng Gong ),( Shou Ping Ji ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2016 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.26 No.6

RV-23 is a melittin-related antibacterial peptide (MRP) with lower cytotoxicity than either melittin or AR-23, another MRP. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of RV- 23`s antibacterial selectivity and its hemocompatibility. The results showed that all the peptides exhibited lytic activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with RV-23 showing the highest potency. Moreover, RV-23 had lower cytotoxicity than melittin or AR-23 at their minimal inhibitory concentration. In addition, CD experiments showed that melittin, RV-23, and AR-23 all had a typical α-helical structure, and RV-23 had the lowest α-helix content. The structural information showed that RV-23 has the lowest hydrophobicity and highest hydrophobic moment. Because hydrophobicity and α-helix content are believed to correlate with hemolysis, the results indicate that the selective lytic activity against bacteria of RV-23 may be due to its low hydrophobicity and α-helicity, which lead to low cytotoxicity without affecting antibacterial activity. Furthermore, RV-23 did not affect the structure and function of blood components such as red blood cells, platelets, albumin, and the blood coagulation system. In conclusion, RV-23 is a cell-selective antibacterial peptide with high hemocompatibility due to its unique structure.

A Novel In Situ Gel Formulation of Ranitidine for Oral Sustained Delivery

( Tao Ma ),( Hao Ping Xu ),( Min Shi ),( Jin Ling Jiang ) 한국응용약물학회 2014 Biomolecules & Therapeutics(구 응용약물학회지) Vol.22 No.2

The main purpose of this study was to develop a novel, in situ gel system for sustained delivery of ranitidine hydrochloride. Ranitidinein situ gels at 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1.0% gellan gum concentration (w/v) were prepared, respectively, and characterized in termsof preparation, viscosity and in vitro release. The viscosity of the gellan gum formulations in solution increased with increasingconcentrations of gellan gum. In vitro study showed that the release of ranitidine from these gels was characterized by an initialphase of high release (burst effect) and translated to the second phase of moderate release. Single photon emission computingtomography technique was used to evaluate the stomach residence time of gel containing 99mTc tracer. The animal experimentsuggested in situ gel had feasibility of forming gels in stomach and sustained the ranitidine release from the gels over the periodof at least 8 h. In conclusion, the in situ gel system is a promising approach for the oral delivery of ranitidine for the therapeuticeffects improvement.

Deep oxidative desulfurization of model fuel using ozone generated by dielectric barrier discharge plasma combined with ionic liquid extraction

Cunhua Ma,Bin Dai,Ping Liu,Na Zhou,Aijun Shi,Lili Ban,Hongwei Chen 한국공업화학회 2014 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.20 No.5

The dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is often used to prepare ozone. In this study, a novel room temperature oxidative desulfurization method involving ozone oxidation produced in the DBD reactor combined with ionic liquid (IL) [BMIM]CH3COO ([BMIM]Ac) extraction was developed. The method was suitable for the deep removal of sulfur (S)-containing compounds from model fuel. By this desulfurization technology, 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT), dibenzothiophene (DBT), benzothiophene (BT) and thiophene (TS) were efficiently removed. Normally, the removal of TS and BT from fuel is highly difficult. However, using the proposed method of this study without any catalyst, the removal rate of TS and BT reached 99.9%. When TiO2/MCM-41 was used as a catalyst, the S-removal of DBT and 4,6-DMDBT increased to 98.6 and 95.2%, respectively. The sulfur removal activity of the four sulfur compounds decreased in the order of TS > BT >> DBT > 4,6-DMDBT. 2013 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of the thickness of CeO2 buffer layer on the YBCO coated conductor

Dongqi Shi,Ping Ma,Ho-Sup Kim,Hong-Soo Ha,Jun-Ki Chung,Kyu-Jeong Song,Rock-Kil Ko,Chan Park,Seung-Hyun Moon,Sang-Im Yoo 한국초전도저온학회 (구 한국초전도저온공학회) 2004 한국초전도저온공학회논문지 Vol.6 No.4

Neutropenia during the First Cycle of Induction Chemotherapy Is Prognostic for Poor Survival in Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Real-World Study in an Endemic Area

Cheng Xu,Shi-Ping Yang,Yuan Zhang,Ling-Long Tang,Guan-Qun Zhou,Xu Liu,Yan-Ping Mao,Rui Guo,Wen-Fei Li,Lei Chen,Ai-Hua Lin,Ying Sun,Jun Ma 대한암학회 2018 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.50 No.3

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of neutropenia during the first cycle of induction chemotherapy (IC-1) on survival in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC). Materials and Methods Eligible patients (n=545) with LANPC receiving IC+concurrent chemoradiotherapy were included. Based on nadir neutrophil after IC-1, all patients were categorized into three groups: no/grade 1-2/grade 3-4 neutropenia. Five-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between groups and subgroups stratified by IC regimen. We also explored the occurrence of IC-1–induced myelosuppression events and the minimal value of post-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (post-NLRmin). Univariate/multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the effect of IC-1–induced neutropenia, timing of neutropenia, number of myelosuppression events, and high post-NLRmin on OS/DFS. Results Grade 1-2/grade 3-4 neutropenia were associated with poorer OS/DFS than no neutropenia (all p < 0.05); OS/DFS were not significantly different between patients experiencing grade 1-2 vs. 3-4 neutropenia. Neutropenia had no significant effect on OS/DFS in patients receiving docetaxel–cisplatin–5-fluorouracil (TPF). Grade 1-2 (grade 3-4) neutropenia negatively influenced OS/DFS in patients receiving cisplatin–5-fluorouracil (PF) (PF and docetaxel– cisplatin [TP]; all p < 0.05). Neutropenia, two/three myelosuppression events, and high post-NLRmin ( 1.33) was most frequent on days 5-10, second and third week of IC-1, respectively. After adjustment for covariates, IC-1–induced neutropenia, two/three myelosuppression events, and post-NLRmin  1.33 were validated as negative predictors of OS/DFS (all p < 0.05); timing of neutropenia had no significant effect. Conclusion Occurrence of neutropenia, number of myelosuppression events, and high post-NLRmin during PF/TP IC-1 have prognostic value for poor survival in LANPC.

Recombinant Human Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Promotes Preinvasive and Invasive Estrogen Receptor-Positive Tumor Development in MMTV-erbB2 Mice

Chun Ling Zhao,Guang Ping Zhang,Zheng Zheng Xiao,Zhi Kun Ma,Cai Peng Lei,Shi Yuan Song,Ying Ying Feng,Ya Chao Zhao,Xiao Shan Feng 한국유방암학회 2015 Journal of breast cancer Vol.18 No.2

Purpose: We investigated whether recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) could promote the development of preinvasive and invasive breast cancer in mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV-erbB2) mice with estrogen receptor- positive tumors. Methods: MMTV-erbB2 mice were randomly divided into three experimental groups with 20 mice in each group. MMTV-erbB2 mice were treated with daily subcutaneous injections of vehicle or rhG-CSF (low-rhG-CSF group, rhG-CSF 0.125 μg; vehicle-rhG-CSF group, normal saline 0.25 μg; and high-rhG-CSF group, rhG-CSF 0.25 μg) at 3 months of age. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of G-CSF action in mammary glands were investigated via immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Low, but not high, rhG-CSF doses significantly accelerated mammary tumorigenesis in MMTV-erbB2 mice. Short-term treatment with rhG-CSF could significantly promote the development of preinvasive mammary lesions. The cancer prevention effect was associated with reduced expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cluster of differentiation 34, and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 in mammary glands by >80%. Conclusion: We found that G-CSF was regulated by rhG-CSF both in vitro and in vivo. Identification of G-CSF genes helped us further understand the mechanism by which G-CSF promotes cancer. Low doses of rhG-CSF could significantly increase tumor latency and increase tumor multiplicity and burden. Moreover, rhG-CSF effectively promotes development of both malignant and premalignant mammary lesions in MMTV-erbB2 mice.

Define of Optimal Addition Period of Osteogenic Peptide to Accelerate the Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Song Yameng,Li Hongjiao,Wang Zixuan,Shi Jiamin,Li Jing,Wang Lu,Liao Lingzi,Ma Shengqin,Zhang Yun,Liu Bin,Yang Yaling,Zhou Ping 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2024 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.21 No.2

Background: The addition of growth factiors is commonly applied to improve the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells. However, for human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), their complex differentiation processes result in the unknown effect at different stages. In this study, we focused on the widely used bone forming peptide-1 (BFP-1) and investigated the effect and mechanisms of its addition on the osteogenic induction of hPSCs as a function of the supplementation period. Methods: Monolayer-cultured hPSCs were cultured in osteogenic induction medium for 28 days, and the effect of BFP-1 peptide addition at varying weeks was examined. After differentiation for varying days (0, 7, 14, 21 and 28), the differentiation efficiency was determined by RT–PCR, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and alizarin red staining assays. Moreover, the expression of marker genes related to germ layers and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was investigated at day 7. Results: Peptide treatment during the first week promoted the generation of mesoderm cells and mesenchymal-like cells from hiPSCs. Then, the upregulated expression of osteogenesis marker genes/proteins was detected in both hESCs and hiPSCs during subsequent inductions with BFP-1 peptide treatment. Fortunately, further experimental design confirmed that treating the BFP-1 peptide during 7–21 days showed even better performance for hESCs but was ineffective for hiPSCs. Conclusion: The differentiation efficiency of cells could be improved by determining the optimal treatment period. Our study has great value in maximizing the differentiation of hPSCs by adding osteogenesis peptides based on the revealed mechanisms and promoting the application of hPSCs in bone tissue regeneration. Background: The addition of growth factiors is commonly applied to improve the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells. However, for human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), their complex differentiation processes result in the unknown effect at different stages. In this study, we focused on the widely used bone forming peptide-1 (BFP-1) and investigated the effect and mechanisms of its addition on the osteogenic induction of hPSCs as a function of the supplementation period. Methods: Monolayer-cultured hPSCs were cultured in osteogenic induction medium for 28 days, and the effect of BFP-1 peptide addition at varying weeks was examined. After differentiation for varying days (0, 7, 14, 21 and 28), the differentiation efficiency was determined by RT–PCR, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and alizarin red staining assays. Moreover, the expression of marker genes related to germ layers and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was investigated at day 7. Results: Peptide treatment during the first week promoted the generation of mesoderm cells and mesenchymal-like cells from hiPSCs. Then, the upregulated expression of osteogenesis marker genes/proteins was detected in both hESCs and hiPSCs during subsequent inductions with BFP-1 peptide treatment. Fortunately, further experimental design confirmed that treating the BFP-1 peptide during 7–21 days showed even better performance for hESCs but was ineffective for hiPSCs. Conclusion: The differentiation efficiency of cells could be improved by determining the optimal treatment period. Our study has great value in maximizing the differentiation of hPSCs by adding osteogenesis peptides based on the revealed mechanisms and promoting the application of hPSCs in bone tissue regeneration.

Effects of Oxygen Content on the Simultaneous Microbial Removal of SO2 and NOx in Biotrickling Towers

Xing Chun Wang,Xiao Yi Bi,Pei Shi Sun,Jin Quan Chen,Ping Zou,Xiao Ming Ma,Jing Zhang,Hai Yu Wang,Xiao Yi Xu 한국생물공학회 2015 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.20 No.5

This study uses microbial methods to research the influence of oxygen (O2) content on the removal efficiency of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in a tandem twin-towers desulfurization and denitrification process system. Oxygen can play a significant role in biotrickling towers. Other important factors had already been optimized prior to the study, including inlet concentration, gas flow rate, and temperature. SO2 and NOx were prepared by a chemical method. A gas flow meter was used to regulate nitrogen (N2) that had been stored in steel cylinders. In this way, the O2 content was adjusted in the biotrickling towers by controlling the N2 flow rate. Five gradients of O2 content were selected for investigation, namely 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20%. Results indicated that the SO2 removal efficiency from mixed gas (SO2 and NOx) can reach 100%, from all of the five O2 gradients, in biotrickling towers. In a tandem twin-towers desulfurization and denitrification process system, the NOx removal efficiency and the inlet concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gradually increased as the O2 content increased. Specifically, the average removal efficiency of NOx increased from 49.28 to 80.85% as the O2 content changed from 4 to 20%. The oxygen levels influenced the removal of NOx but the SO2 removal efficiency in mixed gas was always stable.