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Biomedical subjects

J K Choi

Publications and source records attributed to J K Choi.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Sequence analysis of the coat protein and 3'-noncoding region for Korean and other strains of sweet potato feathery mottle virus.

The 3'-terminal regions of the genomic RNAs of two Korean isolates of sweet potato feathery mottle potyvirus (SPFMV) were cloned and their nucleotide sequences of full-length coat protein (CP) gene and 3' noncoding region (NCR) were determined. The CP of the two Korean isolates contained 315 amino acid residues. The CP cistron sequences of the Korean isolates exhibit 72.7% to 98.7% nucleotide sequence identity and 79.9% to 99.0% amino acid identity when compared with those of 8 other known SPFMV strains. Pairwise comparison revealed sequence similarities of 47.4% to 62.1% at the nucleotide level, and 48.6% to 70.2% at the amino acid level between SPFMV and 21 other potyviruses. SPFMV CP has extensive amino acid sequence similarity to the other members of the genus Potyvirus throughout its central and C-terminal regions. The 3' NCR of the SPFMV showed 42.5% to 99.1% nucleotide sequence identities among the strains. The 3' NCR of SPFMV revealed 19.9% to 63.6% sequence similarities to those of 21 other potyviruses. These results support the assignment of SPFMV as a distinct member of the genus Potyvirus of the family Potyviridae.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

Expression of constitutively active Raf-1 in the mitochondria restores antiapoptotic and leukemogenic potential of a transformation-deficient BCR/ABL mutant.

The oncogenic BCR/ABL protein protects hematopoietic cells from apoptosis induced by growth factor deprivation, but the mechanisms are only partially understood. A BCR/ABL mutant lacking amino acids 176-426 in the BCR domain (p185DeltaBCR) failed to protect interleukin 3-deprived 32Dcl3 myeloid precursor cells from apoptosis, although it possessed tyrosine kinase activity and was capable of activating the Ras-Raf-MAP kinase pathway. Compared to p185 wild-type transfectants, p185DeltaBCR-transfected cells showed markedly reduced levels of Bcl-2 and expressed the hypophosphorylated, proapoptotic form of BAD. Bcl-2 expression in the mitochondrial fraction of p185DeltaBCR cells was also markedly diminished and mitochondrial RAF was undetectable. In p185DeltaBCR cells transfected with a mitochondria-targeted, constitutively active RAF (M-Raf) BAD was expressed in the hyperphosphorylated form and released from the mitochondria into the cytosol. p185DeltaBCR/M-Raf-transfected cells were completely resistant to apoptosis induced by growth factor deprivation in vitro. Moreover, constitutive expression of dominant-negative M-Raf (K375W) enhanced the susceptibility of 32Dcl3 cells expressing wild-type BCR/ABL to apoptosis. In severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice, p185DeltaBCR/M-Raf double transfectants were leukemogenic, whereas cells expressing only p185DeltaBCR showed no leukemogenic potential. Together, these data support the existence of a BCR/ABL-dependent pathway that leads to expression of an active RAF in the mitochondria and promotes antiapoptotic and leukemia-inducing effects of BCR/ABL.

Animals↗

Mixed-dye staining method for protein detection in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using calconcarboxylic acid and rhodamine B.

We have developed a new mixed-dye protein staining method that is simple, rapid, and sensitive. A freshly prepared mixture of calconcarboxylic acid (NN, 0.02%) and rhodamine B (RB, 0.04%) in 40% methanol/7% acetic acid, was used as a staining solution. RB acts as an auxiliary agent to inhibit the binding of NN to the gel matrix, reducing the background staining and therefore enhancing the protein staining by NN. This mixed-dye staining method reduces the total staining and destaining time to less than an hour, and increases the sensitivity to 25 ng of bovine serum albumin, which is greater than the 100 ng sensitivity limit of Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 (CBBR) staining.

Azo Compounds↗

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma: clinicopathologic, immunophenotypic, and genotypic analysis of alpha/beta and gamma/delta subtypes.

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is an uncommon cutaneous lymphoma that has been proposed as a distinct clinicopathologic entity, but studies of SPTCL are limited. We studied the clinicopathologic, immunophenotypic, and genetic features of 11 SPTCLs. All cases had a variable admixture of pleomorphic small, medium, or large lymphocytes and histiocytes infiltrating the subcutis in a lobular panniculitis-like pattern. A granulomatous reaction was seen in three cases and erythrophagocytosis in four. Karyorrhexis and fat necrosis were present in all cases. Angioinvasion was seen in seven SPTCLs; four had areas of coagulation necrosis. All cases expressed T-cell-associated antigens (CD3epsilon, CD45RO, or CD43) and T-cell receptors (TCR); nine expressed alphabeta TCRs and two expressed gammadelta TCRs. T-cell receptor-gamma, TCRbeta, or TCRdelta genes were clonally rearranged in 8 of 10 cases studied. Both gammadelta SPTCLs expressed Vdelta2+ TCRs and were CD4-, CD8- and CD56+. CD56 was negative in seven of nine alphabeta SPTCLs and inconclusive in the other two. Six of nine alphabeta SPTCLs were CD8+; the CD4/CD8 phenotypes were indeterminate in the other three. Cytolytic granule-associated proteins were expressed by all SPTCLs (11 of 11 were TIA-1+, 4 of 4 were perforin+). In situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA (EBER-1) was negative in all cases. Most patients responded to systemic chemotherapy or local radiation therapy. Seven patients are alive: four without disease (19-73 months) and three with disease (32-72 months); four died: three of disease (3-25 months) and one without disease (42 months). We conclude that SPTCLs are clonal, EBV-, cytotoxic T-cell lymphomas derived from alphabeta T-cells or gammadelta T-cells. The gammadelta SPTCLs appear to be preferentially derived from the Vdelta2+ subset. Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma may be rapidly fatal or indolent; local therapy may be appropriate for some patients.

Adolescent↗

Mutation of the Lck-binding motif of Tip enhances lymphoid cell activation by herpesvirus saimiri.

The proline-rich SH3-binding (SH3B) motif of the tyrosine kinase-interacting protein (Tip) of herpesvirus saimiri (HVS) is required for binding to the cellular Src family kinase Lck. We constructed a mutant form of HVS in which prolines in the SH3B motif of Tip were altered to alanines. This mutant form of Tip was incapable of binding to Lck. The mutant virus, HVS/Tip mSH3B, retained its ability to immortalize common marmoset lymphocytes in culture. In fact, common marmoset lymphocytes immortalized by the HVS/Tip mSH3B mutant displayed increased expression of HLA-DR lymphocyte activation marker, an altered pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation, increased expression of the tyrosine kinase Lyn, and a shift in electrophoretic mobility of Lck compared to cells immortalized by wild-type HVS. Experimental infection of common marmosets resulted in fulminant lymphoma with both HVS/Tip mSH3B and wild-type HVS. However, HVS/Tip mSH3B produced greater infiltration of affected organs by proliferating lymphoid cells compared to wild-type HVS. These results demonstrate that Tip binding to Lck is not necessary for transformation and that abrogation of Tip binding to Lck alters the characteristics of transformed cells and the severity of the pathologic lesions.

Animals↗

Identification of an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif of K1 transforming protein of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is consistently identified in Kaposi's sarcoma and body cavity-based lymphoma. KSHV encodes a transforming protein called K1 which is structurally similar to lymphocyte receptors. We have found that a highly conserved region of the cytoplasmic domain of K1 resembles the sequence of immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs). To demonstrate the signal-transducing activity of K1, we constructed a chimeric protein in which the cytoplasmic tail of the human CD8alpha polypeptide was replaced with that of KSHV K1. Expression of the CD8-K1 chimera in B cells induced cellular tyrosine phosphorylation and intracellular calcium mobilization upon stimulation with an anti-CD8 antibody. Mutational analyses showed that the putative ITAM of K1 was required for its signal-transducing activity. Furthermore, tyrosine residues of the putative ITAM of K1 were phosphorylated upon stimulation, and this allowed subsequent binding of SH2-containing proteins. These results demonstrate that the KSHV transforming protein K1 contains a functional ITAM in its cytoplasmic domain and that it can transduce signals to induce cellular activation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Pharmacological studies on the new quinoline derivative 1-(2-methylphenyl)-4-[(3-hydroxypropyl) amino]-6-trifluoromethoxy-2,3-dihydropyrrolo[3,2-c] quinoline with potent anti-ulcer effect.

The effects of the novel acylquinoline derivative, 1-(2-methylphenyl)-4-[(3-hydroxypropyl)amino]-6-trifluoromethoxy-2,3- dihydropyrrolo[3,2-c]quinoline (AU-006) on experimental ulcer models and on gastric secretion were examined. AU-006 prevented dose dependently gastric lesions induced by 95% ethanol when given orally (30-300 mg/kg). Similarly, gastric lesions caused by 0.3 N NaOH were inhibited by oral pretreatment with AU-006. To investigate the anti-ulcer mechanism of AU-006, the effect of AU-006 on gastric acid secretion was tested. Intraduodenal administration of AU-006 reduced in vivo gastric acid secretion. The protective effect of AU-006 against gastric lesions induced by ethanol was not affected by a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (l-NAME). In addition, the ethanol-induced mucus reduction was not recovered upon AU-006 administration. These results suggest that AU-006 is effective in the treatment of gastric ulcers by inhibiting gastric acid secretion, and that its activity is not related to either nitric oxide production or mucus secretion.

Animals↗

Transformation of hematopoietic cells by BCR/ABL requires activation of a PI-3k/Akt-dependent pathway.

The BCR/ABL oncogenic tyrosine kinase activates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3k) by a mechanism that requires binding of BCR/ABL to p85, the regulatory subunit of PI-3k, and an intact BCR/ABL SH2 domain. SH2 domain BCR/ABL mutants deficient in PI-3k activation failed to stimulate Akt kinase, a recently identified PI-3k downstream effector with oncogenic potential, but did activate p21 RAS and p70 S6 kinase. The PI-3k/Akt pathway is essential for BCR/ABL leukemogenesis as indicated by experiments demonstrating that wortmannin, a PI-3k specific inhibitor at low concentrations, suppressed BCR/ABL-dependent colony formation of murine marrow cells, and that a kinase-deficient Akt mutant with dominant-negative activity inhibited BCR/ABL-dependent transformation of murine bone marrow cells in vitro and suppressed leukemia development in SCID mice. In complementation assays using mouse marrow progenitor cells, the ability of transformation-defective SH2 domain BCR/ABL mutants to induce growth factor-independent colony formation and leukemia in SCID mice was markedly enhanced by expression of constitutively active Akt. In retrovirally infected mouse marrow cells, the BCR/ABL mutant lacking the SH2 domain was unable to upregulate the expression of c-Myc and Bcl-2; in contrast, expression of a constitutively active Akt mutant induced Bcl-2 and c-Myc expression, and stimulated the transcription activation function of c-Myc. Together, these data demonstrate the requirement for the BCR/ABL SH2 domain in PI-3k activation and document the essential role of the PI-3k/Akt pathway in BCR/ABL leukemogenesis.

Animals↗

Resistance to tobamoviruses in transgenic tobacco plants expressing the coat protein gene of pepper mild mottle virus (Korean isolate).

Red pepper, one of the most important vegetable crops in Korea, is severely affected by viral diseases causing 20-50% reduction in product yield. A pepper strain of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV-p) is the most common virus in red pepper. To study the molecular structure of the TMV-p virus, we generated cDNA clones of the viral genome. Partial sequencing of a few cDNA clones revealed that TMV-p shares a 98% identity at the nucleotide level with the Spanish isolate of pepper mild mottle virus (PMMV-s). This suggests that TMV-p should be reclassified as the Korean isolate of PMMV (PMMV-k). The coat protein (CP) gene together with the 3' untranslated region of the PMMV-k virus was obtained by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using oligomers deduced from the sequence of PMMV-s. The sequence analysis of the CP gene and the 3' untranslated region further confirmed that PMMV-k is highly related to PMMV-s. The CP gene and the 3' untranslated region of PMMV-k were cloned into a plant expression vector and the construct was introduced into tobacco plants. The transgenic plants expressing the PMMV-k CP gene were delayed in developing systemic disease or failed to develop symptoms at all after inoculation with PMMV-k. Delay of symptoms was also observed when the plants were inoculated with TMV-OM which shares a 74% homology with PMMV-k in the amino acid sequence of the CP region. In a local lesion host, the CP expressing plants exhibited a greatly reduced number of necrotic lesions as compared to control plants after inoculation with TMV-OM. Our results show that CP-mediated viral resistance is readily applicable in the case of PMMV-k and can provide resistance to other viruses in the tobamovirus group.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Visualization of G protein-coupled receptor trafficking with the aid of the green fluorescent protein. Endocytosis and recycling of cholecystokinin receptor type A.

A chimeric protein consisting of the cholecystokinin receptor type A (CCKAR) and the green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used for studying receptor localization, internalization, and recycling in live cells in real time in four different cell lines. Fusion of the C terminus of the CCKAR to the N terminus of the GFP did not alter receptor ligand binding affinity, signal transduction, or the pattern of receptor surface expression and receptor-mediated cholecystokinin (CCK) internalization. The use of a new GFP mutant with increased fluorescence allowed the continuous observation of CCKAR-GFP in stably expressing cell lines. Newly obtained biologically active fluorescent derivatives of CCK were used for simultaneous observation of receptor and ligand trafficking in CHO, NIH/3T3, and HeLa cells stably expressing the fluorescent CCKAR and in transiently transfected COS-1 cells. Receptor internalization was predominantly ligand dependent in HeLa, COS-1, and CHO cells, but was mostly constitutive in NIH/3T3 cells, suggesting the existence of cell-specific regulation of receptor internalization. The CCKAR antagonists, L-364,718 and CCK 27-32 amide potently inhibited spontaneous internalization of the receptor. The average sorting time of CCK and the receptor in the endosomes was about 25 min. The receptor recycled back to the cell membrane with an average time of 60 min. While the ligands sorted to lysosomes, no receptor molecules could be detected there, and no receptor degradation was observed during recycling. These results demonstrate the usefulness of GFP tagging for real time imaging of G protein-coupled receptor trafficking in living cells and suggest that this technique may be successfully applied to the study of the regulation and trafficking mechanisms of other receptors.

3T3 Cells↗

Evaluation of mean skin temperature formulas by infrared thermography.

To study the reliability of formulas for calculating mean skin temperature (Tsk), values were computed by 18 different techniques and were compared with the mean of 10,841 skin temperatures measured by infrared thermography. One hundred whole-body infrared thermograms were scanned in ten resting males while changing the air temperature from 40 degrees C to 4 degrees C. Local, regional average and mean skin temperatures were obtained using an image processing system. The agreement frequency, defined as the percentage of the calculated Tsk values which agreed with the corresponding infrared thermographic Tsk within +/- 0.2 degree C, ranged for with the various formulas from 7% to 80%. In many sites, the local skin temperature did not coincide with the regional average skin temperature. When the local skin temperatures which showed the highest percentage similarity to the regional average skin temperature within +/- 0.4 degree C were applied to the formula, the agreement frequency was markedly improved for all formulas. However, the agreement frequency was not affected by changing the weighting factors from specific constants to individually measured values of regional surface area. By applying the physiologically reliable accuracy range of +/- 0.2 degree C in the moderate and +/- 0.4 degree C in the cool condition, agreement frequencies of at least 95% were observed in formulas involving seven or more skin temperature measurement sites, including the hand and foot. We conclude that calculation of a reliable mean skin temperature must involve more than seven skin temperature measurement sites regardless of ambient temperature. Optimal sites for skin temperature measurement are proposed for various formulas.

Adult↗

Effect of indomethacin phonophoresis on the relief of temporomandibular joint pain.

The pain-relieving effect of indomethacin phonophoresis on temporomandibular (TMJ) joint pain was evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Twenty subjects, who have TMJ pain, were included for this study and randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 10) or the control group (n = 10). Each treatment consisted of the application of ultrasound massage (1.0 MHz, 0.8 to 1.5 W/cm2 continuous output) for 15 minutes to the painful temporomandibular joint. As a conducting medium, 1% indomethacin cream was used for the experimental group and placebo cream for the control group respectively. Pre- and post-treatment pain levels and pain sensitivity were assessed with visual analogue scales (VAS) and pressure pain threshold (PPT). Mean data indicated that post-treatment VAS was significantly decreased and post-treatment PPT was significantly increased in the experimental group, not in the control group. The results of this study suggest that indomethacin phonophoresis provides significant pain relieving effect over the TMJ pain.

Adolescent↗

Structure of the CAC1 gene and in situ characterization of its expression. The Arabidopsis thaliana gene coding for the biotin-containing subunit of the plastidic acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase.

The CAC1 gene of Arabidopsis thaliana that codes for the biotin carboxyl-carrier subunit of the heteromeric acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase was isolated and sequenced. CAC1 is a single-copy gene interrupted by six introns. Subcellular immunogold labeling indicates that the biotin carboxyl-carrier subunit is localized in the stroma of the plastids and chloroplasts. The CAC1 mRNA accumulates throughout developing embryos and ovules of siliques at a time of rapid growth and oil accumulation (7 d after flowering), but is present at much lower levels in wall cells and central septal cells of the silique. Immunolocalization studies show that the pattern of accumulation of the biotin carboxyl-carrier subunit within the siliques and leaves is similar to that of the CAC1 mRNA. These observations indicate that the cellular pattern of biotin carboxyl-carrier protein accumulation in the developing silique may be determined by the transcriptional activity of the CAC1 gene.

Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase↗

Enhanced downregulation of Lck-mediated signal transduction by a Y114 mutation of herpesvirus Saimiri tip.

Tip of herpesvirus saimiri associates with Lck and downregulates Lck function in cellular signal transduction. In this report, we demonstrate that mutation of tyrosine 114 of Tip significantly increases Lck-binding activity. This mutant exhibits a dramatic increase in the suppression of cellular tyrosine phosphorylation and surface expression of lymphocyte antigens in comparison with wild-type Tip. In addition, the expression of TipY114 converted the transforming morphology of fibroblasts induced by oncogenic F505 Lck to a normal cellular morphology. These results further support a mechanism by which the association of Tip with Lck negatively regulates Lck-mediated signal transduction.

3T3 Cells↗

Effect of physical exercise on renal response to head-out water immersion.

Head-out water immersion (HOI) induces various renal functional changes, such as diuresis, natriuresis, and kaliuresis. The present study was undertaken 1) to characterize the renal response to HOI in Koreans who routinely ingest high salt diet and 2) to evaluate the impact of exercise on the renal response to HOI. Six healthy male subjects (average Na+ intake of 232 mEq.day-1) were immersed upto the neck in 34.5 degrees C water and rested in a seated position or exercised on a bicycle ergometer for 3 hours. In resting subjects, we observed a reversible increase in urine flow and a decrease in urine osmolality, with no changes in creatinine clearance. The peak urine flow observed during the second hour of immersion was 4-fold greater than the pre-immersion level. The excretion of total osmotic substances rose progressively during the 3-hour immersion, which was accompanied by a similar change in Na+ excretion. The K+ excretion was slightly elevated. The major component of the immersion diuresis was a water diuresis in the early phase and an osmotic diuresis in the late phase of immersion. In exercising subjects, the diuretic and natriuretic responses to HOI were attenuated and the kaliuretic response was potentiated. Blood hemoglobin concentration and plasma levels of renin, ADH, and aldosterone decreased during immersion-rest, but they remained unchanged or increased during immersion-exercise. These results suggest that 1) the cardiac mechanoreceptor-mediated renal responses to HOI are not changed by chronic high salt diet, and 2) excessive urinary sodium and water losses are prevented by exercise during immersion.

Adult↗

Decreased immunoglobulin deposition in tumors and increased immature B cells in p53-null mice.

Recent studies have hinted that there may be a relationship between p53 and the immune response. In preliminary experiments, we found significantly decreased levels of immunoglobulin deposition in 13 of 16 p53-null tumors compared with 2 of 17 tumors derived from p53 +/- mice. We further explored the effect of p53 on B-cell development and function. p53-null mice contained more splenic white pulp and more immature B cells in the bone marrow compared with p53 +/- mice. p53-null B cells were hyperresponsive to proliferative challenge but were not more resistant to signal-induced apoptosis. Several p53 DNA-binding sites were localized to the regulatory regions of immunoglobulin heavy and light chain genes, including the KII site, which serves as an enhancer for rearrangement of the mouse kappa chain J cluster genes. Levels of p53 protein and the kappa chain sterile transcript increased after exposure of pre-B cells to the DNA damaging agents etoposide and Adriamycin. Our observations suggest that p53 may be involved in B-cell maturation and may relay certain stress signals to affect B-cell function.

Animals↗

E47 activates the Ig-heavy chain and TdT loci in non-B cells.

The E2A proteins, E12 and E47, are basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins essential for the B-cell lineage. Initially identified as immunoglobulin enhancer-binding proteins, they have also been shown to activate immunoglobulin enhancer-based reporters in transient transfection assays. Here, we examine the relationship between E2A DNA binding activity and activation of the endogenous, chromosomal immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) locus. Using sterile I(mu) transcription as an indicator of IgH enhancer activity, we see a direct correlation between E2A DNA binding activity and I(mu) transcription in stable BxT hybrids. We also observe a 1000-fold stimulation of endogenous I(mu) transcription in fibroblasts that express high levels of E47 and less stimulation in cells that express E12. By contrast, none of the other IgH enhancer-binding proteins tested (E2-2, Pu.1, Oct-2, OCA-B, TFE3 and USF) were able to activate I(mu) transcription. E47 overexpression also resulted in transcriptional activation of the endogenous gene encoding TdT, indicating that it, too, is a target of E2A proteins early in the B-cell lineage. Our results indicate that E2A proteins have the distinctive property of activating silent, chromatin-embedded B-cell-specific genes, underscoring their crucial role in B-cell development.

3T3 Cells↗