Earticle

Protein phosphatase 4 (PP4) plays a crucial role in various cellular pathways, and its proper regulation is essential for optimal phosphorylation dynamics and supporting critical cellular pathways, including DNA double-strand break repair. A previously identified PP4 regulator, termed PP4 inhibitory protein (PP4IP), has been implicated in modulating PP4 activity. However, the biochemical properties of PP4IP and the details of its relationship with the PP4 complex remain poorly understood. In this study, we provide insights into the biochemical characteristics of PP4IP and investigate its physical interaction with PP4. Contrary to a previous report, we were not able to detect any ribonuclease activity in PP4IP purified from E. coli, insect, or mammalian cells. On the other hand, our findings reveal that PP4IP dimerization is required for its interaction with the PP4 complex, and that PP4R3α is a key mediator of this interaction. This study provides a clear understanding of the mechanism underlying PP4-PP4IP complex formation.

Extensive research has been conducted on template-based method, particularly those using cylindrical channels (e.g., anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) template) to create nanorods since their first introduction in the 1990s. While this approach offers many advantages, it also presents significant practical challenges. One major issue is the tendency of nanorods to aggregate, which negates their individual properties. To preserve these unique properties, nanorods must remain stably dispersed in solution. In a previous study (J. Korean Phys. Soc. 85 (2024) 360-370), nanorods with a diameter of 45 nm, produced using a template with an interpore distance (IPD) of 110 nm, were successfully dispersed under conditions predicted by DLVO (Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek) theory. In this paper, we extend the investigation by exploring a broader range of IPD and diameter values. Our findings show that the nanorod diameter should be approximately 30% of the IPD for stable dispersion.

Human Colon Cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide accounting for about 10% of all cancer cases and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Niosomes are utilized for targeted drug delivery to specific sites to achieve desired therapeutic effects with minimal side effects. Itraconazole and Diosgenin were selected as potential compounds in silico analysis of pharmacokinetic properties. Itraconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat various fungal infections. Diosgenin is a naturally occurring steroid saponin in various plants. Each of the compound loaded Niosomes were prepared using non-ionic surfactants and cholesterol along with the respective compound and the method used for preparation included thin film hydration using rotary evaporator and followed by sonication. The dynamic light scattering showed an average size of 343.8 nm for Itraconazole loaded niosomes and 194.3 nm for Diosgenin encapsulated niosomes. The encapsulation efficiency was shown to be 72.4% and 69% for Itraconazole and Diosgenin respectively for their niosomes. Cytotoxicity studies were performed and MTT Assay revealed an IC50 value indicated 53.84 μM and 45.8 μM for the compounds Itraconazole and Diosgenin and 36.58 μM and 59.58 μM for the respective loaded niosomes when administered in HCT116 colorectal cancer cell lines.

The physical and optical properties of functional hydrogel lenses manufactured using Gallate and Carotenoid group materials as additives for hydrogel lenses were analyzed. In order to manufacture a hydrogel lens, a hydrophilic monomer, HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), a cross-linker EGDMA (ethylene glycol dimethacrylate), and a photoinitiator 2H2M (2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyphenone) were used. Additives such as Epigallocatechin gallate, Octyl gallate, and Astaxanthin were added to the basic mixed solution at a ratio, respectively, and photopolymerized with a wavelength of 365 nm for 40 seconds by a cast mold method. The Carotenoid material produced a nano dispersion through the solvent substitution method, and the physical properties of the manufactured contact lens were evaluated by measuring refractive index, water content, spectral transmittance, and contact angle to analyze the changes in physical properties according to the material. Hydrogel contact lenses using the gallate group showed increased wettability and high UV blocking ability compared to base hydrogel lenses. In addition, lenses with epigallocatechin gallate added produced a gradually darker pink color as the amount added increased. Hydrogel lenses using carotenoid nano dispersions showed an increase in both refractive index and water content, and a tendency toward higher wettability. In addition, contact lenses manufactured using an optimized blending ratio of gallate and carotenoid showed increased refractive index, water content, and wettability, as well as antibacterial function and improved UV blocking ability. Hydrogel lenses are manufactured by adding gallate and carotenoid to basic lens material in the ratio can be used as functional medical eye materials with high refractive index, water content, wettability, UV blocking properties, and antibacterial properties.