KR20200078245A - Biomarker for identifying exposure to air pollutants and method for identifying exposure to air pollutants using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a biomarker for confirming exposure to air pollutants. Specifically, since the expression of YWHAZ as a biomarker of the present invention increases by exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEPs), which is an air pollutant, the biomarker of the present invention can be useful as a biomarker for confirming exposure to DEPs.

Description

Biomarker for checking whether air pollutants are exposed, and how to check air pollutant exposure using the same{BIOMARKER FOR IDENTIFYING EXPOSURE TO AIR POLLUTANTS AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING EXPOSURE TO AIR POLLUTANTS USING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a biomarker for confirming whether an air pollutant is exposed, and specifically, to a biomarker for determining whether an individual has been exposed to air pollutant diesel exhaust particles (DEP).

Diesel Exhaust Particles (DEP) means all particles that are generated by the combustion of diesel fuel and contained in exhaust exhausted from a diesel engine exhaust pipe, which is not only a major component of air pollutants but also causes respiratory diseases It is known (Riedl, Marc et al., Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 115.2 (2005): 221-228).

Specifically, as a result of conducting a study on lung function changes according to diesel exhaust particle exposure in asthmatic patients in the UK, compared to the control group (Park Street exposure patients), the expiratory expiratory volume (FEV) and the forced expiratory volume (FVC) were respectively weak. The decrease was 6.1% and 5.4%. In addition, as a result of a study conducted on adults in the United States, it has been reported that lung function decreases due to a decrease in FEV in a resident within 150 m of a road than a resident outside of 150 m of a road (Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0116082).

As such, although problems such as the development of respiratory diseases and deterioration of respiratory function due to exposure of diesel exhaust particles have been internationally issued, the provision of information according to the exposure of diesel exhaust particles in Korea is insignificant. Accordingly, it is necessary to develop an indicator material such as a biomarker capable of confirming whether or not the diesel exhaust particles are exposed, and there is a need to develop a method capable of providing information on exposure to the diesel exhaust particles.

Korea Patent Publication 10-2015-0116082 (2015.10.15)

Riedl, Marc, and David Diaz-Sanchez. "Biology of diesel exhaust effects on respiratory function." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 115.2 (2005): 221-228.

Accordingly, the present inventors have studied how the exposure of diesel exhaust particles according to concentration and time affects the expression of proteins in order to develop a biomarker for determining whether air exhaust material is exposed to diesel exhaust particles. As a result, it was confirmed that the expression of a specific protein was increased in the lungs of mice exposed to the diesel exhaust particles, and the present invention was completed by discovering that the specific protein had an excellent effect in confirming whether the diesel exhaust particles were exposed.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a biomarker for determining whether air pollutants are exposed and a method for confirming whether air pollutants are exposed using the same.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a biomarker for checking whether air pollutants containing YWHAZ protein are exposed.

In addition, the present invention provides a kit for confirming whether air pollutants are exposed, including a detection agent for YWHAZ protein or a gene encoding the same.

In addition, the present invention is 1) measuring the expression level of YWHAZ in a sample isolated from an individual suspected of exposure to air pollutants; 2) comparing the expression level with the expression level of the normal control sample; And 3) when the expression level is higher than that of the control group, it provides a method for providing information on air pollutant exposure, comprising determining that the individual is exposed to air pollutants.

In addition, the present invention provides a DNA microarray chip for confirming whether a YWHAZ gene or a nucleic acid complementary to it is exposed to an air pollutant and a chip for detecting an air pollutant in which a protein of YWHAZ or an antibody specifically binding thereto is integrated. to provide.

The biomarker according to the present invention, YWHAZ, increases expression by exposure of air pollutants, for example, diesel exhaust particles, and thus can be usefully used as a biomarker for checking whether diesel exhaust particles are exposed.

Figure 1 shows the total protein of human bronchial epithelial cells exposed to diesel exhaust particles on SDS-PAGE.
Figure 2 confirms that the expression of YWHAZ is increased in human bronchial epithelial cells exposed to diesel exhaust particles.
Figure 3 confirms that the expression of YWHAZ in the lung tissue of the mouse model exposed diesel exhaust particles increased.

One aspect of the present invention provides a biomarker for confirming whether air pollutants including YWHAZ protein are exposed.

The term "YWHAZ" as used herein refers to 14-3-3 protein zeta or tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activated protein zeta. /tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein zeta). The protein plays a key role in many cancer and neurodegenerative diseases as a major regulator of apoptosis pathway, which is important for cell survival. The protein sequence may refer to NP_663723.1 (NCBI), but is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the air pollutant may be diesel exhaust particles. Specifically, the diesel exhaust particles collectively refer to all particles included in exhausts generated during combustion of diesel fuel and discharged to the outside from the diesel engine exhaust pipe. Diesel exhaust particles are a complex mixture of gas, vapor, liquid aerosol and particulate matter, which are produced by combustion. The main chemical components of diesel exhaust particles include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and the like. On June 12, 2012, the International Cancer Research Institute (IARC) under the World Health Organization (WHO) upgraded diesel exhaust particles from Class 2A (carcinogen estimates) to Class 1 carcinogens, and airway hypersensitivity due to exposure of diesel exhaust particles. (airway hyperresponsiveness), airway inflammation, asthma, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc. can cause a variety of respiratory diseases.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the expression of the YWHAZ is increased by long-term or periodic exposure of air pollutants, thereby confirming that it can be used as a biomarker for confirming whether air pollutants, specifically, diesel exhaust particles are exposed. .

In addition, one aspect of the present invention provides a kit for confirming whether air pollutants are exposed, including a detection agent for YWHAZ protein or a gene encoding the same.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the detection agent may be a primer or probe capable of complementarily binding to a gene encoding the YWHAZ protein.

As used herein, the term "primer" is a nucleic acid sequence having a free 3'hydroxyl group, capable of forming complementary templates and base pairs, and for copying template strands. A short nucleic acid sequence that functions as a starting point. Primers can initiate DNA synthesis in the presence of four different nucleoside triphosphates and reagents for polymerization at appropriate buffer solutions and temperatures. At this time, the reagent for the polymerization reaction may be a DNA polymerase or reverse transcriptase.

As used herein, the term “probe” refers to a nucleic acid fragment such as RNA or DNA that corresponds to a few bases to a few tens of bases, which can achieve specific binding with a gene or mRNA. Such probes can be produced in the form of oligonucleotide probes, single stranded DNA probes, double stranded DNA probes, RNA probes, etc., and can be labeled for easier detection. It is not limited thereto.

The primer or probe can be chemically synthesized using a phosphoramidite solid support method or other well-known method. Such nucleic acids can also be modified using many means known in the art. Examples of such modifications may be methylation, encapsulation, substitution with one or more homologs of natural nucleotides, and modification between nucleotides.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the detection agent may be an antibody that specifically binds to the YWHAZ protein, and may include a polyclonal antibody, a monoclonal antibody, or a recombinant antibody.

Antibodies that bind to these proteins can be readily prepared using techniques well known in the art. For example, a monoclonal antibody is a hybridoma method well known in the art (see Kohler et al., European Jounral of Immunology, 6:511-519, 1976), or a phage antibody library ( Clackson et al., Nature, 352:624-628, 1991; Marks et al., J. Mol. Biol, 222:581-597, 1991. Antibodies prepared by the above method can be separated and purified using methods such as gel electrophoresis, dialysis, salt precipitation, ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, and the like.

As an analysis method for confirming the amount of the target protein bound to the antibody using the antibody, Western blot, ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) radioimmunoassay (RIA), radioimmunodiffusion, oukteroni ( Ouchterlony) immunodiffusion, rocket immunoelectrophoresis, tissue immunostaining, immunoprecipitation assay, complement fixation assay, flow cytometry activated cell sorter (FACS), protein chip ) And the like, but is not limited thereto.

The kit can be used to determine whether diesel exhaust particles are exposed by measuring the mRNA or protein expression level of YWHAZ from an individual to determine whether they are exposed to air pollutants, specifically, diesel exhaust particles. In addition, primers or probes and antibodies for measuring the mRNA or protein level of the YWHAZ, as well as one or more other component compositions, solutions or devices suitable for the analysis method may be included.

Specifically, the kit for checking whether air pollutants are exposed in the present invention may include essential elements necessary for performing RT-PCR. The RT-PCR kit includes enzymes, DNase, RNAse inhibitors such as test tubes or other suitable containers, reaction buffers, deoxynucleotides (dNTPs), Taq-polymerases and reverse transcriptases, in addition to each primer pair specific for the YWHAZ gene. , Sterilized water, and the like. In addition, a primer pair specific to a gene used as a quantitative control may be included.

The present invention is another aspect 1) measuring the expression level of YWHAZ in a sample isolated from an individual suspected of exposure to air pollutants; 2) comparing the expression level with the expression level of the normal control sample; And 3) when the expression level is higher than that of the control group, it provides a method for providing information on air pollutant exposure, comprising determining that the individual is exposed to air pollutants.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the sample may be a bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or lung cells of an individual, specifically lung epithelial cells.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of measuring the expression level of the YWHAZ may be performed by measuring the mRNA or protein of YWHAZ. Specifically, the mRNA measurement may be performed using a probe or primer specifically binding to the YWHAZ gene, and the protein measurement may be performed using an antibody specifically binding to the YWHAZ protein.

The mRNA measurement is reverse transcriptase polymerase reaction (RT-PCR), competitive reverse transcriptase polymerase reaction (competitive RT-PCR), real time quantitative RT-PCR reaction, RNase protection method ), Northern blotting (northern blotting) or may be measured using a genetic chip, but is not limited thereto.

The protein measurement is measured using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (Two-dimensional (2-D) Electrophoresis), LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry), Western blot, ELISA, tissue immunostaining or immunoprecipitation analysis It can, but is not limited to this.

In another aspect of the present invention, a DNA microarray chip for confirming whether an air pollutant having a gene of YWHAZ or a nucleic acid complementary thereto is integrated and a protein of YWHAZ or an antibody specifically binding thereto are detected for air pollutant detection Provide a chip.

The DNA microarray chip is made of a conventional microarray, except that it contains a gene of YWHAZ or a nucleic acid complementary thereto. The DNA microarray chip may be attached with a probe corresponding to a gene or a fragment thereof.

The method of manufacturing the microarray chip is as follows. The micropipetting method using a piezoelectric method or a pin type spotter for immobilization on the substrate of a DNA microarray chip using the probed biomarker as a probe DNA molecule ). The DNA microarray chip substrate may be coated with active groups such as amino-silane, poly-L-lysine, and aldehyde. In addition, the substrate may be a slide glass, plastic, metal, silicon, nylon film or nitrocellulose film. In addition, the kit consists of a buffer solution used for hybridization, a reverse transcriptase for synthesizing cDNA from RNA, cNTPs, rNTP (pre-mixed or separated supply type), a labeling reagent such as a chemical inducer of a fluorescent dye, and a washing buffer solution. Can.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail by examples. However, the following examples are only for illustrating the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to them.

Example 1. Confirmation of YWHAZ expression change in human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) according to exposure of diesel exhaust particles

Example 1.1. Cell culture and treatment of diesel exhaust particles

Human bronchial epithelial cells (cat#. CC-2540; Lonza, Basel, Switzerland) (3000 cells/cm ² ) in T-flask BEGM™BulletKit™ (Lonza, Basel, Switzerland) at 37° C., 5% CO ₂ conditions Cultured. Medium was changed every 48 hours until cell saturation reached 90%. The cells used in the experiment were passaged in a 6-well plate. 24 hours before the experiment, the medium was replaced with BEBM (bronchial epithelial cell growth basal medium) to which 0.1% (v/v) FBS was added, and incubated for 30 minutes. After treatment for 24 hours, it was cultured again.

Example 1.2. 2-D gel electrophoresis and image analysis

Cell broth was centrifuged to harvest human bronchial epithelial cells and crushed with lysis buffer containing 5 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.4), 100 mM NaCl, 1% Triton X-100 and 2 mM PMSF. After centrifuging the cell lysate at 12,000× g for 30 minutes, a portion of the supernatant was obtained. Protein concentration was measured with a BCA assay kit (Pierce). Immobiline DryStrips (Amersham Biosciences) was used for isoelectric point electrophoresis (IEF) performed with 1 mg protein extracted from the IPGphor system (Amersham Biosciences). After IEF separation, the proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Poly Acrylamide Gel Electrophoresis) on a two-dimensional gel.

For image analysis, the gel was visualized using Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250 according to the manufacturer's instructions. The 2-D gel was scanned in the transfer mode of ImageScanner (Amersham Biosciences). Spot detection and matching was performed using ImageMaster 2D version 5.0 (Amersham Biosciences). Digitized images were analyzed and standardized using the ImageMaster program to measure the intensity of the 2-D spot while integrating the optical density as well as the area of the spot (the “volume” of the spot). The intensity measurements were normalized and sent to SPSS 12.0 for statistical analysis. All spots identified in each gel were limited to a pH range of 3 to 10 with a molecular weight range of 10 to 200 kDa. The 2-D gel image was used as the master gel and reference map.

As shown in Figure 1, in the case of the cell extract treated with diesel exhaust particles, when the diesel exhaust particles were treated at a concentration of 5 µg/ml for 8 hours, 16 protein spots were changed, and the protein was calcium-regulated, cells It has been shown to include skeletal, cell cycle regulation and signaling. As described above, 16 proteins changed in cells treated with diesel exhaust particles for 8 hours are shown in Table 1 below. In addition, when the diesel exhaust particles were treated at a concentration of 5 µg/ml for 24 hours, 18 protein spots were changed, and the proteins contained chloride channels, calcium regulation, glycolytic enzymes, cytoskeleton, action regulation and antibacterial peptides. Appeared to contain. As described above, 18 proteins changed in cells treated with diesel exhaust particles for 24 hours are shown in Table 2 below. The spots were cut from the gel, incubated with trypsin to digest the protein in the gel, and then analyzed using LC-MS/MS.

Example 1.3. Western blot

Protein lysis solution by adding 50 mM Tris-HCL (pH 7.4), 50 mM NaCl, 0.1% (v/v) SDS, 1% (v/v) TritonX-100, 0.5 mM EDTA, and 100 mM PMSF to distilled water Was prepared. Human bronchial epithelial cells exposed to diesel exhaust particles and lung tissue of an animal model were homogenized by treating the protein lysis solution. Thereafter, the sample was centrifuged at 14,000 rpm for 30 minutes at 4°C. The supernatant was collected from the centrifuged solution. Proteins in the supernatant were separated using SDS-PAGE and transferred to PVDF membrane. In order to proceed with the blocking process, the membrane was treated with TBS buffer added with 0.1% (v/v) Tween 20 and 5% (v/v) BSA to the membrane for 2 hours at room temperature. Then, the membrane was washed 3 times with TBS buffer to which 0.1% (v/v) Tween 20 was added.

The washed membrane was treated with rabbit anti-YWHAZ antibody (1:1000, Abcam, Cambridge, MA, USA) to react overnight at 4°C. The next day, the membrane was washed 3 times with TBS buffer added with 0.1% (v/v) Tween 20.

The washed membrane was treated with goat anti-rabbit antibody (Santa Cruz) labeled with mustard peroxidase (HRP) and reacted for 1 hour. Then, the membrane was washed 3 times with TBS buffer to which 0.1% (v/v) Tween 20 was added. The washed membrane was treated with mouse anti-goat (Santa Cruz) antibody and reacted for 1 hour. WEST-ZOL plus Western blot detection system (iNtRon, SungNam, Korea) was used for the measurement. The relative amount of protein was compared through β-actin (Sigma-aldrich, St Louis, USA).

As a result of confirming the expression change of YWHAZ of human bronchial epithelial cells according to exposure of diesel exhaust particles through Western blot, it was found that the expression of YWHAZ increased when exposed to diesel exhaust particles (FIG. 2).

Example 2. Confirmation of YWHAZ expression change in mice according to diesel exhaust particle exposure

Example 2.1. Mouse preparation and diesel exhaust particle exposure

A 6-week-old BALB/c female mouse was placed in the chamber, and diesel exhaust particles having a concentration of 100 ug/m ³ were exposed to the chamber for 4 weeks and 8 weeks for 5 days each week to be inhaled. Control mice were exposed to ambient air. Subsequently, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected, and lung tissue was processed to measure protein expression. Specifically, lung tissue was treated with 4% (v/v) buffered paraformaldehyde and fixed to paraffin. Lung tissue was cut into 4 μm thick slices.

Example 2.2. Western blot

Western blot was performed in substantially the same manner as in Example 1.3., except that the paraffinized lung tissue of Example 2.1. was used instead of human bronchial epithelial cells. As a result of confirming the change in expression of YWHAZ in mouse lung tissue according to exposure of diesel exhaust particles through western blot, it was found that the expression of YWHAZ increased in mice exposed to diesel exhaust particles (FIG. 3).

Claims (15)

Biomarker for checking whether air pollutants containing YWHAZ protein are exposed. According to claim 1,
The air pollutants are diesel exhaust particles, biomarkers for checking whether air pollutants are exposed. According to claim 1,
The biomarker for confirming whether the YWHAZ is exposed to air pollutants by increasing the expression of the air pollutants. Kit for confirming exposure to air pollutants, including a detection agent for YWHAZ protein or a gene encoding the same. According to claim 4,
The air pollutants are diesel exhaust particles, a kit for checking whether air pollutants are exposed. According to claim 4,
A kit for confirming whether the detection agent is a primer or probe capable of complementarily binding to the gene encoding the YWHAZ protein, exposed to air pollutants. According to claim 4,
Kit for confirming whether the detection agent is an antibody that specifically binds to the YWHAZ protein, exposed to air pollutants. 1) measuring the expression level of YWHAZ in a sample separated from a subject suspected of exposure to air pollutants;
2) comparing the expression level with the expression level of the normal control sample; And
3) When the expression level is higher than that of the control group, the method for providing information on air pollutant exposure, comprising determining that the individual is exposed to air pollutants. The method of claim 8,
The air pollutants are diesel exhaust particles, a method for providing information on exposure to air pollutants. The method of claim 8,
The sample is a method of providing information on air pollutant exposure, which is a bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or lung cell of an individual. The method of claim 8,
The step of measuring the expression level of the YWHAZ is performed through mRNA measurement or protein measurement of YWHAZ, a method for providing information on exposure to air pollutants. The method of claim 11,
The mRNA measurement is carried out using a probe or primer that specifically binds to the YWHAZ gene, a method for providing information on exposure to air pollutants. The method of claim 11,
The protein measurement is performed using an antibody that specifically binds to the YWHAZ protein, a method for providing information on exposure to air pollutants. DNA microarray chip for checking whether air pollutants with YWHAZ gene or nucleic acid complementary thereto are integrated. A chip for detecting air pollutants in which YWHAZ proteins or antibodies specifically binding thereto are integrated.

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