Woo-Jin Jung
Ewha Womans University · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
About the Lab
Professor Woo-Jin Jung's research lab specializes in redox biology and cellular signaling, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of thiol-dependent redox enzymes and their roles in inflammation, apoptosis, and disease pathogenesis. The lab investigates key redox regulators such as thioredoxin-related proteins (e.g., TRP14), peroxiredoxins, and sulfiredoxin, elucidating their enzymatic functions, substrate specificity, and regulatory roles in transcription factor activation (e.g., NF-κB) and stress responses. A central theme is the redox regulation of signaling pathways in immune and bone-related diseases, including osteoporosis and periodontitis, with translational interest in repurposing anti-inflammatory drugs like benzydamine. The lab integrates biochemical, structural, and cell biological approaches to uncover novel redox targets for therapeutic intervention.
Research Overview
Research Output Trend
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Selected Papers
15Escherichia coli bacterioferritin comigratory protein (BCP), a putative bacterial member of the TSA/AhpC family, was characterized as a thiol peroxidase. BCP showed a thioredoxin-dependent thiol peroxidase activity. BCP preferentially reduced linoleic acid hydroperoxide rather than H(2)O(2) and t-butyl hydroperoxide with the use of thioredoxin as an in vivo immediate electron donor. The value of V(max)/K(m) of BCP for linoleic acid hydroperoxide was calculated to be 5-fold higher than that for H
Among many proteins with cysteine sulfinic acid (Cys-SO2H) residues, the sulfinic forms of certain peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are selectively reduced by sulfiredoxin (Srx) in the presence of ATP. All Srx enzymes contain a conserved cysteine residue. To elucidate the mechanism of the Srx-catalyzed reaction, we generated various mutants of Srx and examined their interaction with PrxI, their ATPase activity, and their ability to reduce sulfinic PrxI. Our results suggest that three surface-exposed amino
We have identified and characterized a 14-kDa human thioredoxin (Trx)-related protein designated TRP14. This cytosolic protein was expressed in all tissues and cell types examined, generally in smaller amounts than Trx1. Although TRP14 contains five cysteines, only the two Cys residues in its WCPDC motif were exposed and redox sensitive. Unlike Trx1, which was an equally good substrate for both Trx reductase 1 (TrxR1) and TrxR2, oxidized TRP14 was reduced by TrxR1 but not by TrxR2. Biochemical c
Redox regulation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) has been described, but the molecular mechanism underlying such regulation has remained unclear. We recently showed that a novel disulfide reductase, TRP14, inhibits tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-induced NF-κB activation, and we identified the dynein light chain LC8, which interacts with the NF-κB inhibitor IκBα, as a potential substrate of TRP14. We now show the molecular mechanism by which NF-κB activation is redox-dependently regulated through LC
The possible roles of a 14-kDa human thioredoxin (Trx)-related protein (TRP14) in TNF-α signaling were studied in comparison with those of Trx1 by RNA interferencein HeLa cells. Depletion of TRP14 augmented the TNF-α-induced phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα as well as the consequent activation of NF-κB to a greater extent than did Trx1 depletion. Deficiency of TRP14 or Trx1 enhanced TNF-α-induced activation of caspases and subsequent apoptosis by a similar extent. The TNF-α-induced activa
Bone diseases such as osteoporosis and periodontitis are induced by excessive osteoclastic activity, which is closely associated with inflammation. Benzydamine (BA) has been used as a cytokine-suppressive or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines or prostaglandins. However, its role in osteoclast differentiation and function remains unknown. Here, we explored the role of BA in regulating osteoclast differentiation and elucidated the underl
Sulfiredoxin (Srx) is an enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of cysteine sulfinic acid of hyperoxidized peroxiredoxins and exerts a protective antioxidant role. Here we investigated the regulatory mechanism of Srx induction by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mouse macrophages. LPS up-regulated Srx expression on the transcriptional level. The promoter region of the Srx gene contained putative NF-κB and AP-1 (activator protein-1) sites, and the proximal site of three AP-1 sites was embedded within the
We have characterized the properties and putative role of a mammalian thioredoxin-like protein, ERp16 (previously designated ERp18, ERp19, or hTLP19). The predicted amino acid sequence of the 172-residue human protein contains an NH(2)-terminal signal peptide, a thioredoxin-like domain with an active site motif (CGAC), and a COOH-terminal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention sequence (EDEL). Analyses indicated that the mature protein (comprising 146 residues) is generated by cleavage of the 26-r
ABSTRACT Many bone diseases, such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis, are attributed to an increase in osteoclast number or activity; therefore, control of osteoclasts has significant clinical implications. This study shows how skullcapflavone II (SFII), a flavonoid with anti‐inflammatory activity, regulates osteoclast differentiation, survival, and function. SFII inhibited osteoclastogenesis with decreased activation of MAPKs, Src, and cAMP response element–binding protein (CREB), which h
Cinchonine (CN) has been known to exert antimalarial, antiplatelet, and antiobesity effects. It was also recently reported to inhibit transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) and protein kinase B (AKT) through binding to tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6). However, its role in bone metabolism remains largely unknown. Here, we showed that CN inhibits osteoclast differentiation with decreased expression of nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NF
Research Areas
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