Junsoo Park

Publications of Junsoo Park

• Efficacy of TVT-SECUR and factors affecting cure of female stress urinary incontinence: 3-year follow-up.

  Authors: Ji-Yeon Han, Junsoo Park, Myung-Soo Choo

  International urogynecology journal. 05/2012;

  INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the TVT-SECUR procedure for treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and to identify factors affecting cure duringINTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the TVT-SECUR procedure for treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and to identify factors affecting cure during 3 years of follow-up. METHODS: We prospectively followed patients until 1 year postoperatively and contacted them to revisit the clinic at 3 years. Ninety-six women who underwent TVT-SECUR (H type: 42, U type: 54) were followed up for at least 3 years. Patients were evaluated using the Severity Index for Urinary Incontinence, the Incontinence Quality of Life questionnaire, and the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptom-Short Form questionnaire at baseline and at each postoperative visit. Patient satisfaction and complications were evaluated. Surgical outcome was assessed according to the Severity Index for Urinary Incontinence. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify preoperative factors independently associated with cure. RESULTS: The 3-year success rate was 91.7 % (cure 72.9 %, improved 18.8 %). The success rate was maintained from 94.8 % at 1 year to 91.7 % at 3 years, but the cure rate decreased significantly from 85.4 % at 1 year to 72.9 % at 3 years. Patient satisfaction rate was 85.4 %. Cure rates were lower in patients with Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) <60 cmH(2)0 (79.5 % vs. 52.2 %, p = 0.010). Multivariate analysis showed that only low VLPP was associated with a lower cure rate. CONCLUSIONS: The cure rate of female SUI after the TVT-SECUR procedure was not sustained, but the overall success rate was maintained over time. Low VLPP predicted failure to sustain cure.

• Lactobacillus caseiExtract Induces Apoptosis in Gastric Cancer by Inhibiting NF-κB and mTOR-Mediated Signaling.

  Authors: Jeong Won Hwang, Young-Mi Baek, Kyeong Eun Yang, Hwa-Seung Yoo, Chong-Kwan Cho, Yeon-Weol Lee, Junsoo Park, Chi-Yong Eom, Zee-Won Lee, Jong-Soon Choi, Ik-Soon Jang

  Integrative cancer therapies. 04/2012;

  Lactobacillus casei extract (LBX) has been reported to prevent gastric cancer, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The proliferation and cell death of gastric cancer KATO3 cells wereLactobacillus casei extract (LBX) has been reported to prevent gastric cancer, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The proliferation and cell death of gastric cancer KATO3 cells were examined after treatment with LBX for various times and at various doses. LBX inhibited the growth of gastric cancer cells and induced apoptosis by inactivating NF-κB promoter activity. Apoptosis induced by LBX, however, is not directly associated with the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. Immunoblot analysis revealed that LBX decreased the expressions of NF-κB and IκB. The reduced NF-κB levels led to the decreased phosphorylation of mTOR signaling components, such as PI3K, Akt, and (p70)S6 kinase. These results showed for the first time that LBX induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells by inhibiting NF-κB and mTOR-mediated signaling.

• Mountain ginseng extract exhibits anti-lung cancer activity by inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NF-κB.

  Authors: Jeong Won Hwang, Jung Han Oh, Hwa-Seung Yoo, Yeon-Weol Lee, Chong-Kwan Cho, Ki-Rok Kwon, Jung-Ho Yoon, Junsoo Park, Song Her, Zee-Won Lee, Ik-Soon Jang, Jong-Soon Choi

  The American journal of Chinese medicine. 01/2012; 40(1):187-202.

  Administration of mountain ginseng (MG) extract can restore advanced cancer to a normal state. To elucidate the mechanism by which MG extract prevents the progression of lung cancer, the processes ofAdministration of mountain ginseng (MG) extract can restore advanced cancer to a normal state. To elucidate the mechanism by which MG extract prevents the progression of lung cancer, the processes of proliferation and death of lung cancer cells (A549) were examined after treatment with MG extract. Butanol-extracted MG (BX-MG) showed a high inhibitory effect (IC(50) = 2 mg/ml) by attenuating proliferation and inducing apoptosis in lung cancer cells. By HPLC-UV analysis of BX-MG, ginsenosides, Rb1 was identified as the most abundant ginsenoside, followed by Rg1, Re, Rc and Rb2. BX-MG induced caspase-3 dependent apoptosis by inhibiting NF-κB. In addition, BX-MG activated p53 and p21, resulting in the attenuated proliferation of A549 cells. Reduced activity of the NF-κB promoter and increased activity of the p53 promoter indicate that BX-MG regulates apoptosis at the level of transcription in lung cancer cells. Furthermore, BX-MG blocked the nuclear translocation of RelA and the associated reduction in surviving. These results suggest that BX-MG inhibits lung cancer cell growth by activating tumor suppressors and inhibiting nuclear translocation of NF-κB.

• Diethylstilbestrol induces arrest of rat vascular smooth muscle cell cycle progression through downregulation of cyclin D1 and cyclin E.

  Authors: Min-Cheol Song, Junsoo Park, Tack-Joong Kim

  Molecular and cellular biochemistry. 09/2011; 360(1-2):103-9.

  Cardiovascular disease is associated with a multitude of pathophysiologic conditions, including vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation in response to vessel injury. Diethylstilbestrol (DES)Cardiovascular disease is associated with a multitude of pathophysiologic conditions, including vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation in response to vessel injury. Diethylstilbestrol (DES) was previously prescribed for at-risk pregnancies to prevent abortion, miscarriage, and premature labor. Our aim in this study was to elucidate the effects and molecular mechanism of DES on proliferation and cell cycle progression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-stimulated rat aortic VSMCs. Treating the cells with DES (1-7 μM) dramatically inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner without any cytotoxic effects. In addition, DES blocked cell cycle progression from PDGF-BB-stimulated cells, which we found was related to down-regulation of the cell cycle regulatory factors, cyclin D1, and cyclin E. Our data demonstrate that DES inhibits rat aortic VSMC proliferation and cell cycle progression through regulation of cell cycle-related proteins. Therefore, our observations may explain, in part, the mechanistic basis underlying the therapeutic effects of DES in cardiovascular disease.

• Validation of the 2009 TNM Classification for Renal Cell Carcinoma: Comparison with the 2002 TNM Classification by Concordance Index.

  Authors: Chunwoo Lee, Dalsan You, Junsoo Park, In Gab Jeong, Cheryn Song, Jun Hyuk Hong, Hanjong Ahn, Choung-Soo Kim

  Korean journal of urology. 08/2011; 52(8):524-30.

  To assess the validity of the 2009 TNM classification for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and compare its ability to predict survival relative to the 2002 classification. We identified 1,691 patients whoTo assess the validity of the 2009 TNM classification for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and compare its ability to predict survival relative to the 2002 classification. We identified 1,691 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy for unilateral, sporadic RCC between 1989 and 2007. Cancer-specific survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and was compared among groups by the log-rank test. Associations of the 2002 and 2009 TNM classifications with death from RCC were evaluated by Cox proportional hazards regression models. The predictive abilities of the two classifications were compared by using Harrell's concordance (c) index. There were 234 deaths from RCC a mean of 38 months after nephrectomy. According to the 2002 primary tumor classification, 5-year cancer-specific survival was 97.6% in T1a, 92.0% in T1b, 83.3% in T2, 61.9% in T3a, 51.1% in T3b, 40.0% in T3c, and 33.6% in T4 (p for trend<0.001). According to the 2009 classification, 5-year cancer-specific survival was 83.2% in T2a, 83.8% in T2b, 62.6% in T3a, 41.1% in T3b, 50.0% in T3c, and 26.1% in T4 (p for trend<0.001). The c index for the 2002 primary tumor classification was 0.810 in the univariate analysis and increased to 0.906 in the multivariate analysis. The c index for the 2009 primary tumor classification was 0.808 in the univariate analysis and increased to 0.904 in the multivariate analysis. Our data suggest that the predictive ability the 2009 TNM classification is not superior to that of the 2002 classification.

• Association between metabolic syndrome and the presence of kidney stones in a screened population.

  Authors: In Gab Jeong, Taejin Kang, Jeong Kyoon Bang, Junsoo Park, Wansuk Kim, Seung Sik Hwang, Hong Kyu Kim, Hyung Keun Park

  American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation. 05/2011; 58(3):383-8.

  Components of metabolic syndrome have been associated with kidney stone disease, but little evidence is available to support a relationship between metabolic syndrome and kidney stone development inComponents of metabolic syndrome have been associated with kidney stone disease, but little evidence is available to support a relationship between metabolic syndrome and kidney stone development in healthy large screened populations. Cross-sectional analysis. Data were obtained from 34,895 individuals who underwent general health screening tests between January 2006 and December 2006 at the Asan Medical Center. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to criteria established by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III, American Heart Association, and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The presence of kidney stones was evaluated using computed tomography or ultrasonography. Of all those screened, 839 (2.4%) had radiologic evidence of kidney stones and metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 4,779 (13.7%). The multivariable-adjusted OR for kidney stones increased with an increasing quintile of waist circumference and systolic/diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.001). Age, sex, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome status were independent risk factors for kidney stones. The presence of metabolic syndrome had an OR of 1.25 (95% CI, 1.03-1.50) for kidney stone prevalence. In participants with hypertension, the OR for the presence of kidney stones was 1.47 (95% CI, 1.25-1.71) compared with that for participants without hypertension after adjustment for other variables. Cross-sectional design, absence of stone composition. Metabolic syndrome is associated with a significantly increased risk of kidney stone development. Our findings suggest the need for interventional studies to test the effects of preventing and treating metabolic syndrome on the risk of kidney stone development.

• The expression of damage-regulated autophagy modulator 2 (DRAM2) contributes to autophagy induction.

  Authors: Jung-Ho Yoon, Song Her, Moonhee Kim, Ik-Soon Jang, Junsoo Park

  Molecular biology reports. 05/2011; 39(2):1087-93.

  Autophagy is a membrane trafficking process involved in intracellular degradation and recycling in eukaryotic cells. DRAM2 (damage-regulated autophagy modulator 2) is a homologue of DRAM thatAutophagy is a membrane trafficking process involved in intracellular degradation and recycling in eukaryotic cells. DRAM2 (damage-regulated autophagy modulator 2) is a homologue of DRAM that regulates p53-mediated cell death. As its name implies, DRAM expression induces autophagy in a p53-dependent manner; however, the role of DRAM2 in autophagy is not clear. In this study, we report that DRAM2 expression contributes to autophagy induction. Overexpression of DRAM2 induces cytoplasmic GFP-LC3 punctuates, and increases the level of endogenous LC3-II. Moreover, the silencing of endogenous DRAM2 interferes with starvation-induced autophagy. Thus, we propose that DRAM2 as well as DRAM are involved in autophagy.

• Differential expression of extracellular matrix proteins in senescent and young human fibroblasts: a comparative proteomics and microarray study.

  Authors: Kyeong Eun Yang, Joseph Kwon, Ji-Heon Rhim, Jong Soon Choi, Seung Il Kim, Seung-Hoon Lee, Junsoo Park, Ik-Soon Jang

  Molecules and cells. 05/2011; 32(1):99-106.

  The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides an essential structural framework for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation, and undergoes progressive changes during senescence. To investigateThe extracellular matrix (ECM) provides an essential structural framework for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation, and undergoes progressive changes during senescence. To investigate changes in protein expression in the extracellular matrix between young and senescent fibroblasts, we compared proteomic data (LTQ-FT) with cDNA microarray results. The peptide counts from the proteomics analysis were used to evaluate the level of ECM protein expression by young cells and senescent cells, and ECM protein expression data were compared with the microarray data. After completing the comparative analysis, we grouped the genes into four categories. Class I included genes with increased expression levels in both analyses, while class IV contained genes with reduced expression in both analyses. Class II and Class III contained genes with an inconsistent expression pattern. Finally, we validated the comparative analysis results by examining the expression level of the specific gene from each category using Western blot analysis and semiquantitative RT-PCR. Our results demonstrate that comparative analysis can be used to identify differentially expressed genes.

• Predictive characteristics of malignant pheochromocytoma.

  Authors: Junsoo Park, Cheryn Song, Myungchan Park, Sangjun Yoo, Se Jun Park, Seokjun Hong, Bumsik Hong, Choung-Soo Kim, Hanjong Ahn

  Korean journal of urology. 04/2011; 52(4):241-6.

  The prognosis of patients with malignant pheochromocytoma is poor, but the predictive factors are not well understood. We aimed to identify the clinical characteristics predictive of malignancy afterThe prognosis of patients with malignant pheochromocytoma is poor, but the predictive factors are not well understood. We aimed to identify the clinical characteristics predictive of malignancy after initial surgical removal in patients with pheochromocytoma. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 152 patients diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, including 5 (3.3%) with metastasis at the time of the initial surgical excision and 12 (7.9%) who developed metastasis during follow-up. To determine the factors predictive of malignancy, we compared clinical, radiographical, and urinary chemical findings between patients with benign and malignant disease. Mean follow-up was 41.5 months (range, 0.9-298 months) after surgery. Malignant tumors were significantly larger than benign tumors (11.1±4.0 cm vs. 6.2±3.4 cm, p<0.001), and postoperative persistence of arterial hypertension was more frequent after removal of malignant than benign tumors (p=0.001). Among the 147 patients without metastatic disease at diagnosis, those who developed metastasis had significantly lower concentrations of urinary catecholamine metabolites per unit of tumor, including vanillylmandelic acid (1.2 vs. 3.7 mg/day/cm, p=0.049), epinephrine (4.5 vs. 168.9 µg/day/cm, p=0.008), and norepinephrine (13.1 vs. 121.8 mg/day/cm, p<0.001). The overall 5-year metastasis-free survival rate was 84.4% and was significantly higher in patients with smaller tumors (≤5.5 vs. >5.5 cm; 90.6% vs. 81.2%, p=0.025) and higher 24-hour secretion of vanillylmandelic acid (>2.1 vs. ≤2.1 mg/day/cm; 94.9% vs. 70.9%, p=0.019). Large tumor size (>5.5 cm) and minimally elevated 24-hour urinary vanillylmandelic acid (≤2.1 mg/day/cm) were significantly associated with a higher probability of a malignant pheochromocytoma portending a lower metastasis-free survival and mandating more rigorous follow-up after surgery.

• Chalcones as novel influenza A (H1N1) neuraminidase inhibitors from Glycyrrhiza inflata.

  Authors: Trong Tuan Dao, Phi Hung Nguyen, Hong Sik Lee, Eunhee Kim, Junsoo Park, Seong Il Lim, Won Keun Oh

  Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters. 01/2011; 21(1):294-8.

  The emergence of highly pathogenic influenza A virus strains, such as the new H1N1 swine influenza (novel influenza), represents a serious threat to global human health. During our course of anThe emergence of highly pathogenic influenza A virus strains, such as the new H1N1 swine influenza (novel influenza), represents a serious threat to global human health. During our course of an anti-influenza screening program on natural products, one new licochalcone G (1) and seven known (2-8) chalcones were isolated as active principles from the acetone extract of Glycyrrhiza inflata. Compounds 3 and 6 without prenyl group showed strong inhibitory effects on various neuraminidases from influenza viral strains, H1N1, H9N2, novel H1N1 (WT), and oseltamivir-resistant novel H1N1 (H274Y) expressed in 293T cells. In addition, the efficacy of oseltamivir with the presence of compound 3 (5 μM) was increased against H274Y neuraminidase. This evidence of synergistic effect makes this inhibitor to have a potential possibility for control of pandemic infection by oseltamivir-resistant influenza virus.

• AGR2, a mucinous ovarian cancer marker, promotes cell proliferation and migration.

  Authors: Kyoungsook Park, Yong Jin Chung, Hyekyung So, Kwangsoo Kim, Junsoo Park, Mijoung Oh, Minwha Jo, Kyusam Choi, Eun-Ju Lee, Yoon-La Choi, Sang Yong Song, Duk-Soo Bae, Byoung-Gie Kim, Je-Ho Lee

  Experimental & molecular medicine. 01/2011; 43(2):91-100.

  Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of death in women. Early detection of ovarian cancer is essential to decrease mortality. However, the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is difficult due to a lack ofOvarian cancer is a leading cause of death in women. Early detection of ovarian cancer is essential to decrease mortality. However, the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer is difficult due to a lack of clinical symptoms and suitable molecular diagnostic markers. Thus, identification of meaningful tumor biomarkers with potential clinical application is clearly needed. To search for a biomarker for the early detection of ovarian cancer, we identified human anterior gradient 2 (AGR2) from our systematic analysis of paired normal and ovarian tumor tissue cDNA microarray. We noted a marked overexpression of AGR2 mRNA and protein in early stage mucinous ovarian tumors compared to normal ovarian tissues and serous type ovarian tumors by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. To further elucidate the role of AGR2 in ovarian tumorigenesis, stable 2774 human ovarian cancer cell lines overexpressing AGR2 were established. Forced expression of AGR2 in 2774 cells enhanced the growth and migration of ovarian cancer cells. AGR2 protein was detected in the serum of mucinous ovarian cancer patients by Western blot and ELISA analysis. Thus, AGR2 is a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of mucinous ovarian cancer and an ELISA assay may facilitate the early detection of mucinous ovarian cancer using patient serum.

• Alpinumisoflavone induces apoptosis and suppresses extracellular signal-regulated kinases/mitogen activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB pathways in lung tumor cells.

  Authors: Sim Namkoong, Tack-Joong Kim, Ik-Soon Jang, Keon-Wook Kang, Won-Keun Oh, Junsoo Park

  Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin. 01/2011; 34(2):203-8.

  The extracellular signal-regulated kinases/mitogen activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways are critical for cell survival and proliferation. AlpinumisoflavoneThe extracellular signal-regulated kinases/mitogen activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways are critical for cell survival and proliferation. Alpinumisoflavone (AIF), isolated from the African medicinal plant Erythrina lysistemon, is a member of the isoflavone group. In this report, we demonstrated that AIF treatment induces cell death of human lung tumor cells. Incubation of lung tumor cells with AIF increased the sub-G1 population and caspase 3/7 activity, suggesting that the cell death is caused by apoptosis. To identify the signaling pathway involved in the tumor cell death, we examined the modulation of transcriptional activity using various reporter constructs and found that AIF significantly deregulated both the ERK/MAPK and NF-κB pathways. Western blot analysis with antibodies to MAP/ERK kinase (MEK) and ERK showed that AIF dephosphorylates both MEK and ERK. Alpinumisoflavone also repressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells by inhibiting NF-κB-dependent transcription. Therefore, the cell death induced by AIF may be via repressing both the ERK/MAPK and NF-κB pathways.

• Preoperative Clinical and Pathological Characteristics of pT0 Prostate Cancer in Radical Prostatectomy.

  Authors: Junsoo Park, In Gab Jeong, Jeong Kyoon Bang, Young Mee Cho, Jae Y Ro, Jun Hyuk Hong, Hanjong Ahn, Choung-Soo Kim

  Korean journal of urology. 06/2010; 51(6):386-90.

  To analyze the preoperative clinical and pathological characteristics of patients with pT0 prostate cancer. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 702 patients who underwent radical prostatectomyTo analyze the preoperative clinical and pathological characteristics of patients with pT0 prostate cancer. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 702 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) at our institution between January 2004 and July 2008 for clinically localized prostate cancer. If there was no evidence of residual tumor in the pathological specimen of the prostate, a patient was staged as pT0. Patients with pT0 disease were compared with a control group of patients who were operated on during the same period. Overall, 9 (1.3%) patients were staged as pT0 on the pathologic examination. Significant differences were observed between the pT0 group and the control patients in the biopsy Gleason score (p=0.004), the number of positive cores on biopsy (p=0.018), the tumor length of positive cores (p<0.001), and prostate volume (p=0.015). Cutoff values predictive of pT0 tumor status were defined as a biopsy Gleason score sum </=6, 2 or fewer positive biopsy cores, tumor length on biopsy </=2 mm, and prostate volume >30 cm(3). Whereas 8 of the 9 (88.9%) pT0 patients showed all of these characteristics, only 55 of the 693 (7.9%) control patients fulfilled the criteria. The combination suggested above afforded a sensitivity of 88.8% and a specificity of 92.1% for the prediction of pT0 status. The frequency of pT0 prostate cancer seen on RP was 1.3%. A combination of clinicopathological features, incorporating a biopsy Gleason score, the number of positive biopsy cores, tumor length on biopsy, and prostate volume, was useful to predict pT0 stage on RP.

• Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus viral protein kinase interacts with RNA helicase a and regulates host gene expression.

  Authors: Jae Eun Jong, Junsoo Park, Sunmi Kim, Taegun Seo

  Journal of microbiology (Seoul, Korea). 04/2010; 48(2):206-12.

  RNA helicase A (RHA) containing the DExH motif is a human homolog of maleless protein that regulates expression of genes located in the Drosophila X chromosome during dosage compensation. RHA exertsRNA helicase A (RHA) containing the DExH motif is a human homolog of maleless protein that regulates expression of genes located in the Drosophila X chromosome during dosage compensation. RHA exerts helicase activity that unwinds double-stranded RNA and DNA to a single-strand form. The protein acts as a bridging factor mediating interactions of CBP/p300 and RNA pol II, and consequently affects gene expression. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a member of the gamma-herpesvirus subfamily that causes several disorders. The majority of herpesviruses commonly encode predicted viral protein kinases. KSHV open reading frame 36 (ORF36) codes for protein kinase domains, and functions as a serine/threonine protein kinase. KSHV ORF36 is classified as a late gene, as it is expressed during lytic replication and localized in the nuclei of KSHV-infected cells. Recent studies show that viral protein kinase (vPK) interacts with cellular proteins. In this study, we determined the cellular localization of vPK in KSHV-infected BCBL-1 cells using confocal microscopy. Proteomic analysis indicates that cellular proteins interacted with vPK, and co-immunoprecipitation reactions further reveal interactions between vPK and RHA. Moreover, KSHV vPK appeared to regulate the transcriptional activation of Cre promoter, and plays an important role in cellular transcription of RHA.

• DNA-PK/Ku complex binds to latency-associated nuclear antigen and negatively regulates Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus latent replication.

  Authors: Seho Cha, Chunghun Lim, Jae Young Lee, Yoon-Jae Song, Junsoo Park, Joonho Choe, Taegun Seo

  Biochemical and biophysical research communications. 03/2010; 394(4):934-9.

  During latent infection, latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) plays important roles in episomal persistence and replication. Several hostDuring latent infection, latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) plays important roles in episomal persistence and replication. Several host factors are associated with KSHV latent replication. Here, we show that the catalytic subunit of DNA protein kinase (DNA-PKcs), Ku70, and Ku86 bind the N-terminal region of LANA. LANA was phosphorylated by DNA-PK and overexpression of Ku70, but not Ku86, impaired transient replication. The efficiency of transient replication was significantly increased in the HCT116 (Ku86 +/-) cell line, compared to the HCT116 (Ku86 +/+) cell line, suggesting that the DNA-PK/Ku complex negatively regulates KSHV latent replication.

• A long-term study of the effects of the tension-free vaginal tape procedure for female stress urinary incontinence on voiding, storage, and patient satisfaction: a post-hoc analysis.

  Authors: Ji-Yeon Han, Cheryn Song, Junsoo Park, Hee Chang Jung, Kyu-Sung Lee, Myung-Soo Choo

  Korean journal of urology. 01/2010; 51(1):40-4.

  We assessed the long-term effects of the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) on voiding, storage, and patient satisfaction. This retrospective studyWe assessed the long-term effects of the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) on voiding, storage, and patient satisfaction. This retrospective study examined the records of 134 patients who had undergone the TVT procedure for SUI and were followed up for more than 5 years. Voiding function was evaluated by measuring maximum urinary flow rate (MFR), post-void residual urine volume (PVR), and storage function by using a voiding diary. Patients were asked to describe their satisfaction with the operation. MFR was lower at 1 month compared with the preoperative level, but had recovered to preoperative levels by 5 years postoperatively. However, some patients with >50%, 25-50%, and <25% decreases in the MFR at 1 month postoperatively showed a decrease in the MFR of >50% at 5 years. PVR increased over the 5 postoperative years. Of the patients with urgency and urgency incontinence, 43.8% and 48.1% showed improvement, respectively, whereas new patients developed postoperatively. Thus, the total number of patients with urgency or urgency incontinence remained similar over the 5 years. In those with a changed voiding pattern, patient satisfaction was negatively affected by de novo urgency and urgency incontinence and decreased MFR. Any obstructive effect of the TVT procedure diminished over time in most patients, although a decrease in the MFR was sustained in some patients. With regard to overactive bladder symptoms, some patients were cured and some patients complained of de novo symptoms. The most major factor affecting patient satisfaction was de novo urgency.

• SUMOylated IRF-1 shows oncogenic potential by mimicking IRF-2.

  Authors: Sun-Mi Park, Myounghee Chae, Bo-Kyoung Kim, Taegun Seo, Ik-Soon Jang, Jong-Soon Choi, Il-Chul Kim, Je-Ho Lee, Junsoo Park

  Biochemical and biophysical research communications. 12/2009;

  Interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) is an interferon-induced transcriptional activator that suppresses tumors by impeding cell proliferation. Recently, we demonstrated that the level of SUMOylatedInterferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) is an interferon-induced transcriptional activator that suppresses tumors by impeding cell proliferation. Recently, we demonstrated that the level of SUMOylated IRF-1 is elevated in tumor cells, and that SUMOylation of IRF-1 attenuates its tumor-suppressive function. Here we report that SUMOylated IRF-1 mimics IRF-2, an antagonistic repressor, and shows oncogenic potential. To demonstrate the role of SUMOylated IRF-1 in tumorigenesis, we used SUMO-IRF-1 recombinant protein. Stable expression of SUMO-IRF-1 in NIH3T3 cells resulted in focus formation and anchorage-independent growth in soft agar. Inoculation of SUMO-IRF-1-transfected cells into athymic nude mice resulted in tumor formation and infiltration of adipose tissues. Finally, we demonstrated that SUMO-IRF-1 transforms NIH3T3 cells in a dose-dependent manner suggesting that SUMOylated IRF-1 may act as an oncogenic protein in tumor cells.

• Reduced expression of DRAM2/TMEM77 in tumor cells interferes with cell death.

  Authors: Sun-Mi Park, Kwangsoo Kim, Eun Ju Lee, Bo-Kyoung Kim, Tae Jin Lee, Taegun Seo, Ik-Soon Jang, Sang-Hoon Lee, Soohyun Kim, Je-Ho Lee, Junsoo Park

  Biochemical and biophysical research communications. 11/2009;

  Although the role of autophagy in tumorigenesis remains controversial, recent reports support the notion that inhibition of autophagy promotes tumor formation. Damage-regulated autophagy regulatorAlthough the role of autophagy in tumorigenesis remains controversial, recent reports support the notion that inhibition of autophagy promotes tumor formation. Damage-regulated autophagy regulator (DRAM) has been identified as an effector molecule that is critical for p53-mediated apoptosis, and we investigated whether there might be other DRAM-like molecules linking autophagy and apoptosis. In this study, we cloned a novel DRAM-homologous protein, DRAM2, and showed that the expression of DRAM2 is down-regulated in ovarian tumors. DRAM2 is mainly localized in the lysosome, and co-localizes with DRAM. While expression of DRAM or DRAM2 individually did not induce cell death, co-expression of DRAM2 with DRAM significantly induced cell death, while the silencing of endogenous DRAM2 attenuated cell death, suggesting that DRAM2 is involved in cell death. Thus, we propose that reduced expression of DRAM2 may contribute to enhanced cell survival in tumor cells.

• ATG5 expression induced by MDMA (ecstasy), interferes with neuronal differentiation of neuroblastoma cells.

  Authors: Myounghee Chae, Gyu-Seek Rhee, Ik-Soon Jang, Kwangsoo Kim, Ji-Hae Lee, Seung-Yeul Lee, Minjung Kim, Junyoung Yang, Junsoo Park, Seung-Hoon Lee

  Molecules and cells. 06/2009; 27(5):571-5.

  The amphetamine derivative 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has become a popular recreational drug, and has also been shown to cause serotonergic neurotoxicity. This report shows that MDMAThe amphetamine derivative 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has become a popular recreational drug, and has also been shown to cause serotonergic neurotoxicity. This report shows that MDMA impairs brain development in a whole mouse embryo culture. The results of quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that autophagy-related protein 5 (Atg5) expression is elevated in mouse embryo and neuroblastoma cells after MDMA treatment. This elevated Atg5 expression interferes with the neuronal differentiation of neuroblastoma cells such as SH-SY5Y and PC12 cells. Thus, our results suggest that the use of MDMA during pregnancy may impair neuronal development via an induction of Atg5 expression.

• Species-specific variation of RPA-interacting protein (RIP) splice isoforms.

  Authors: Kwangsoo Kim, Eun Ju Lee, Seung-Hoon Lee, Taegun Seo, Ik-Soon Jang, Junsoo Park, Je-Ho Lee

  BMB reports. 02/2009; 42(1):22-7.

  Replication Protein A (RPA) is a single stranded DNA-binding protein involved in DNA metabolic activities such as replication, repair, and recombination. RPA-Interacting Protein alpha (RIPalpha) wasReplication Protein A (RPA) is a single stranded DNA-binding protein involved in DNA metabolic activities such as replication, repair, and recombination. RPA-Interacting Protein alpha (RIPalpha) was originally identified as a nuclear transporter of RPA in Xenopus. The human RIPalpha gene encodes several splice isoforms, of which hRIPalpha and hRIPbeta are the major translation products in vivo. However, limited information is available about the alternative splicing of RIPalpha in eukaryotes, apart from that in humans. In this study, we examined the alternative splicing of RIPalpha in the Drosophila, Xenopus, and mouse system. We showed that the number of splice isoforms of RIPalpha was species-specific, and displayed a tendency to increase in higher eukaryotes. Moreover, a mouse ortholog of hRIPbeta, mRIPbeta2, was not SUMOylated, in contrast to hRIPbeta. Based on these results, we suggest that the RIPalpha gene gains more splice isoforms and additional modifications after molecular evolution. [BMB reports 2009; 42(1): 22-27].