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Biomedical subjects

Hyun Ju Lee

Publications and source records attributed to Hyun Ju Lee.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

PLD2 forms a functional complex with mTOR/raptor to transduce mitogenic signals.

Mammalian target-of-rapamycin (mTOR), which is a master controller of cell growth, senses a mitogenic signal in part through the lipid second messenger phosphatidic acid (PA), generated by phospholipase D (PLD). To understand further which isozymes of PLD are involved in this process, we compared the effect of PLD isozymes on mTOR activation. We found that PLD2 has an essential role in mitogen-induced mTOR activation as the siRNA-mediated knockdown of PLD2, not of PLD1, profoundly reduced the phosphorylations of S6K1 and 4EBP1, well-known mTOR effectors. Furthermore, exogenous PA-induced mTOR activation was abrogated by PLD2 knockdown, but not by PLD1 knockdown. This abrogation was found to be the result of complex formation between PLD2 and mTOR/raptor. PLD2 possesses a TOS-like motif (Phe-Glu-Val-Gln-Val, a.a. 265-269), through which it interacts with raptor independently of the other TOS motif-containing proteins, S6K1 and 4EBP1. PLD2-dependent mTOR activation appears to require PLD2 binding to mTOR/raptor with lipase activity, since lipase-inactive PLD2 cannot trigger mTOR activation despite its ability to interact with mTOR/raptor. Abrogation of mitogen-dependent mTOR activation by PLD2 knockdown was rescued only by wild type PLD2, but not by raptor binding-deficient and lipase-inactive PLD2. Our results demonstrate the importance of localized PA generation for the mitogen-induced activation of mTOR, which is achieved by a specific interaction between PLD2 and mTOR/raptor.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2006

The prevalence of pulmonary parenchymal tuberculosis in patients with tuberculous pleuritis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence and characteristics of parenchymal tuberculous pleuritis in adult patients. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Three hospitals affiliated with Seoul National University in South Korea. PATIENTS: All patients > 15 years old with a diagnosis of tuberculous pleuritis were enrolled prospectively between January 1, 2004, and October 31, 2004. INTERVENTIONS: Diagnostic thoracocentesis and CT of the chest were done for each patient. Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smears and cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis were requested if patients produced any sputum. A board-certified radiologist reviewed the chest radiographs for the presence and characteristics of any lesions. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: One hundred six patients with tuberculous pleuritis were enrolled (median age, 53 years; range 16 to 89 years). Among them, 33 patients (31%) had sputum or bronchial washing findings positive for AFB smears or for M tuberculosis by culture. Lung parenchymal lesions were observed in 91 of the patients (86%) using chest CT; 39 patients (37%) with parenchymal lesions had radiographic characteristics of active pulmonary tuberculosis. In total, 62 patients (59%) had bacteriologically or radiographically active pulmonary tuberculosis. In addition, 78 patients (74%) had features of reactivated pulmonary tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: Lung parenchymal lesions were more common in this series of patients with tuberculous pleuritis than has been reported in previous studies. The patients mostly had radiographic features of reactivated, rather than primary, tuberculosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Expression, purification, crystallization, and preliminary X-Ray analysis of the human UDP-glucose dehydrogenase.

UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (UGDH) catalyzes the synthesis of UDP-glucuronic acid from UDP-glucose resulting in the formation of proteoglycans that are involved in promoting normal cellular growth and migration. Overproduction of proteoglycans has been implicated in the progression of certain epithelial cancers. Here, human UGDH (hUGDH) was purified and crystallized from a solution of 0.2 M ammonium sulfate, 0.1 M Na cacodylate, pH 6.5, and 21% PEG 8000. Diffraction data were collected to a resolution of 2.8 A. The crystal belongs to the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with unit-cell parameters a = 173.25, b = 191.16, c = 225.94 A, and alpha = beta = gamma = 90.0 degrees. Based on preliminary analysis of the diffraction data, we propose that the biological unit of hUGDH is a tetramer.

Crystallization↗
PubMed2005

Computer-aided diagnosis of localized ground-glass opacity in the lung at CT: initial experience.

The purpose of this study was to develop an automated scheme to facilitate detection of localized ground-glass opacity (GGO) in the lung at computed tomography (CT). Institutional review board approval and informed consent were not required. Two radiologists reviewed CT images from 14 patients (five men, nine women) who had lung cancer or metastasis and whose malignancy was classified as GGO. The lung region was sampled and completely covered with contiguous, 50% overlapping regions of interest (ROIs) measuring 30 x 30 pixels in size. The lung area within each ROI was analyzed to compute texture features and gaussian curve fitting features. Performance of the artificial neural networks (ANNs) measured by using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.92. With a threshold of 0.9, the sensitivity of the ANN for detecting GGO ROIs was 94.3% (280 of 297 ROIs), and the positive predictive value was 29.1% (280 of 963 ROIs). A computerized scheme may hold promise in facilitating detection of localized GGO at CT.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Acute lung injury: effects of prone positioning on cephalocaudal distribution of lung inflation--CT assessment in dogs.

PURPOSE: To quantify cephalocaudal gradient of lung inflation in acute lung injury in a dog model in prone versus supine position. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiments were performed in accordance with Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, as approved by National Research Council (National Institutes of Health), and were approved by committee on care and use of animals in research at Seoul National University Hospital. After induction of acute lung injury with intravenous injection of oleic acid, dogs were randomized to be ventilated in either prone (n = 6) or supine (n = 6) position. Spiral computed tomography (CT) and hemodynamic measurement were performed sequentially on an hourly basis. Volume and mean attenuation of lung were measured quantitatively by using software to evaluate each CT section. Cephalocaudal gradient of mean lung attenuation, distribution of gas and tissue, and alveolar expansion were assessed. Functional residual capacity and net alveolar expansion of entire lung were measured. Statistical analysis was performed with Friedman, sign, and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: Mean lung attenuation increased gradually from apex to base of lung in supine position. Thus, inflation gradient along cephalocaudal axis was found. Gas was located predominantly in upper lung, whereas tissue was dominant in lower lung in supine position. In supine group, cephalocaudal inflation gradient showed no significant change from baseline up to 4 hours. After prone positioning, cephalocaudal inflation gradient was reduced, and gas and tissue proportions became more uniform along cephalocaudal axis. In prone group, absolute values of cephalocaudal inflation gradient at time points of prone positioning for 1, 2, and 3 hours were significantly lower than baseline values (P < .05) and those in supine group (P < .05). Alveolar expansion occurred in caudal regions, and alveolar contraction occurred in cephalic regions; accordingly, net alveolar volume of entire lung was not altered significantly. Functional residual capacity was unchanged by prone positioning. CONCLUSION: In acute lung injury, prone positioning induced more uniform distribution of gas and tissue along cephalocaudal axis by reducing cephalocaudal inflation gradient.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Effect of monitor luminance and ambient light on observer performance in soft-copy reading of digital chest radiographs.

PURPOSE: To examine the combined effects of monitor luminance and ambient light on observer performance for detecting abnormalities in a soft-copy interpretation of digital chest radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 254 digital chest radiographs were displayed on a high-resolution cathode ray tube monitor at three luminance levels (25, 50, and 100 foot-lamberts) under three ambient light levels (0, 50, and 460 lux). Six chest radiologists reviewed each image in nine modes of combined luminance and ambient light. The observers were allowed to adjust the window width and level of the soft-copy images. The abnormalities included nodule, pneumothorax, and interstitial disease. Observer performance was analyzed in terms of the receiver operating characteristics. The observers reported their subjective level of visual fatigue with each viewing mode. A statistical test was conducted for each of the abnormalities and for fatigue score by using repeated-measures two-way analysis of variance with an interaction. RESULTS: The detection of nodules was the only reading that was affected by the ambient light with a statistically significant difference (P <.05). Otherwise, observer performance for detecting a nodule, pneumothorax, and interstitial disease was not significantly different in the nine-mode comparison. There was no evidence that the luminance of the monitors was related to the ambient light for any of the abnormalities. The fatigue score showed a statistically significant difference due to both the luminance and ambient light. CONCLUSION: When adequate window width and level are applied to soft-copy images, the primary diagnosis with chest radiographs on the monitor is unlikely to be affected under low ambient light and a monitor luminance of 25 foot-lamberts or more.

Computer Terminals↗
PubMed2004

Pleomorphic carcinoma of lung: comparison of CT features and pathologic findings.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate computed tomographic (CT) features of pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung and to compare these features with pathologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients (10 men, three women; mean age at diagnosis, 64.1 years; range, 43-75 years) with pleomorphic carcinoma treated from June 2000 to January 2003 were selected from two institutions. Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed CT features, which included size and location of tumor, presence of calcification, attenuation values and internal architecture of the mass, and invasion of pleura and chest wall. Attenuation values of the mass on CT scans were compared with pathologic findings in tumors in available gross specimens. Follow-up CT scans were not routinely obtained except in two patients with progressive pleural effusion and rapid growth of the tumor as seen on serial chest radiographs. RESULTS: On unenhanced CT scans, attenuation of the tumor was similar to that of the surrounding muscle. Calcification within the tumor was visible in one patient. Invasion of chest wall was noted in two patients. Seven patients had pleural invasion. Tumors were located at the lung periphery in nine patients. On contrast material-enhanced CT scans, lesions with the longest diameter larger than 5 cm showed central low-attenuation areas with substantial enhancement in the tumor periphery; in comparison, lesions with the longest diameter smaller than 5 cm showed homogeneous enhancement. Size of two lesions with the longest diameter larger than 5 cm increased rapidly after a follow-up of shorter than 3 weeks. Low-attenuation areas on contrast-enhanced CT scans were found to correspond to areas of myxoid degeneration, necrosis, or hemorrhage in pathologic specimens. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study suggest that pleomorphic carcinomas of the lung preferentially manifest as large peripheral lung neoplasms with a central low-attenuation area and frequently invade the pleura and chest wall.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Pyogenic hepatic abscesses: distinctive features from hypovascular hepatic malignancies on contrast-enhanced ultrasound with SH U 508A; early experience.

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of contrast-enhanced US (conE US) in differentiating pyogenic hepatic abscesses (PyHAs) from hypovascular hepatic malignancies. conE US images of 16 PyHAs in 12 patients were evaluated retrospectively and were compared with those of 22 hypovascular hepatic malignancies in 12 patients. The conE US images were obtained at 30, 90, 150 and 270 s after a bolus injection of 4 g of SH U 508A (Levovist, Schering; 300 mg/mL). The images were specifically analyzed for the shape (round or ovoid, lobulating or coalescent according to the complexity), the margin (sharp or ill-defined), and the pattern of contrast agent enhancement of the lesion (internal and rim enhancement). In our experience, as to the shape of the lesion, PyHAs were usually coalescent (94%), and hepatic malignancies were more frequently round or ovoid (36%) or lobulating (50%) (p < 0.0001). The margin of the lesion was usually sharp in PyHAs (81%), whereas it was more commonly ill-defined (59%) in hepatic malignancies (p = 0.02). Whereas PYHAs usually produced no internal enhancement (94%), diffuse (73%) or peripheral (27%) hypoechoic intratumoral enhancement was seen in hepatic malignancies (p < 0.0001). This study shows that conE US is potentially useful in differentiation of PyHAs from hypovascular hepatic malignancies. PyHAs usually produce characteristic features, such as coalescent appearance, sharp boundary of necrotic cavity, and lack of internal enhancement on conE US.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Pigmented villonodular synovitis of the temporomandibular joint: MR findings in four cases.

OBJECTIVE: Although it is a rare condition, pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) may involve temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The purpose of this study was to describe magnetic resonance (MR) findings of PVNS of the TMJ. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Between April 1992 and August 2000, four patients (two men and two women, 22-58-year-old) who had histologically proven diagnoses of PVNS in their TMJ were found in our institution. Their MR findings were reviewed retrospectively, and were correlated with pathologic findings. RESULTS: In all four patients, MR images invariably showed profound hypointensity on both T1- and T2-weighted sequences. This finding was seen diffusely and homogeneously throughout the lesion, and was considered to be due to paramagnetic effect attributed to heavy hemosiderin pigmentation, which was revealed by histopathological examination. MR images also showed aggressive nature of the lesions with adjacent skull base destruction and intracranial extension in two of them. CONCLUSION: As is the case in the other anatomic site, PVNS of the TMJ can be confidently diagnosed on MR imaging on the basis of the presence of hemosiderin. MR imaging also plays a pivotal role in surgical planning by precise and detailed localization of the lesion.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

The potential contribution of a computer-aided detection system for lung nodule detection in multidetector row computed tomography.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the potential benefits of a computer-aided detection (CAD) system for detecting lung nodules in multidetector row CT (MDCT) scans. METHODS: A CAD system was developed for detecting lung nodules on MDCT scans and was applied to the data obtained from 15 patients. Two chest radiologists in consensus established the reference standard. The nodules were categorized according to their size and their relationship to the surrounding structures (nodule type). The differences in the sensitivities between an experienced chest radiologist and a CAD system without user interaction were evaluated using a chi2 analysis. The differences in the sensitivities also were compared in terms of the nodule size and the nodule type. RESULTS: A total of 309 nodules were identified as the reference standard. The sensitivity of a CAD system (81%) was not significantly different from that of a radiologist (85%; P > 0.05). The sensitivities of the CAD system for detecting nodules < or = 5 mm in diameter as well as detecting isolated nodules were higher than those of a radiologist (83% vs. 75%, P > 0.05; 93% vs. 76%, P < 0.001). The sensitivities of a radiologist for detecting nodules >5 mm and the nodules attached to other structures were higher than those of a CAD system (98% vs. 79%, P < 0.001; 91% vs. 71%, P < 0.001). There were 28.8 false-positive results of CAD per CT study. CONCLUSION: The CAD system developed in this study performed the nodule detection task in different ways to that of a radiologist in terms of the nodule size and the nodule type, which suggests that the CAD system can play a complementary role to a radiologist in detecting nodules from large CT data sets.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Antiandrogenic effects of bisphenol A and nonylphenol on the function of androgen receptor.

By using a yeast detection system for androgenic and antiandrogenic effects of chemicals, we identified bisphenol A (BPA) and nonylphenol (NP) as antiandrogens. In this study, we report molecular mechanisms for the antiandrogenic action of BPA and NP. In the ARhLBD-activating signal cointegrator 1 (ASC1) yeast two-hybrid system, which reflects the androgen-dependent interaction between androgen receptor (AR) and its coactivator, ASC1, BPA and NP acted as potent AR antagonists comparable to a known strong antagonist, cyproterone acetate. Ligand competition assays revealed that [3H]5alpha-dihydroxytestosterone (DHT) binding to AR is inhibited a maximum of 30 and 40% at approximately 5 nM of NP and 50 nM of BPA, respectively. In addition, the nuclear translocation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-AR fusion protein in the presence of testosterone was affected by the addition of BPA and NP, which cause rather dispersed distribution of GFP-AR between the nuclear and the cytoplasmic compartments. Furthermore, in transient transfection assays, BPA and NP inhibited androgen-induced AR transcriptional activity. Taken together, the results suggest that BPA and NP affect multiple steps of the activation and function of AR, thereby inhibiting the binding of native androgens to AR, AR nuclear localization, AR interaction with its coregulator, and its subsequent transactivation. These data may help us better understand the biological alterations induced by these environmental compounds.

Androgen Antagonists↗
PubMed2003

EUS in the evaluation of pancreatic cystic lesions.

BACKGROUND: The differential diagnosis in pancreatic cystic lesions is often difficult despite the availability of various modern imaging modalities. This study assessed the role of EUS in the following: (1) discrimination of pseudocysts from pancreatic cystic tumors, (2) differential diagnosis between serous cystadenoma and mucinous cystic tumor, and (3) prediction of accompanying malignancy in intraductal papillary mucinous tumor. METHODS: EUS findings in 75 patients with pancreatic cystic lesions (58 cystic tumors, 17 pseudocysts) were evaluated. In the comparison of pseudocysts and cystic tumors, the latter included intraductal papillary mucinous tumor, mucinous cystic tumors, and serous cystadenomas, but not solid-pseudopapillary tumors. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, pseudocysts exhibited echogenic debris and parenchymal changes more often than cystic tumors did (respectively, 29% vs. 6%, p < 0.05; and 65% vs. 4%, p < 0.001). In contrast, septa and mural nodules were found more frequently in cystic tumors than pseudocysts (respectively, 69% vs. 12%, p < 0.001; 56% vs. 12%, p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that parenchymal changes (odds ratio [OR] = 83.59; p < 0.01); septa (OR = 30.75; p < 0.05); and mural nodules (OR = 21.38; p < 0.05) were independent predictors of differentiation between pseudocysts and cystic tumors. Serous cystadenoma exhibited diverse EUS features, as well as a honeycomb appearance. Mural nodules were found more often in mucinous cystic tumors than in serous cystadenomas (p < 0.05). There were no factors that predicted malignancy in intraductal papillary mucinous tumor. CONCLUSIONS: EUS is a useful complementary imaging method for differentiation of pancreatic cystic lesions.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Novel yeast bioassay system for detection of androgenic and antiandrogenic compounds.

Recently, certain environmental endocrine disrupters have shown to act as antiandrogens. This suggests that environmental antiandrogens may also be crucial contributors to the increasing incidence of male reproductive abnormalities, requesting the screening and classification of antiandrogenic chemicals. Here, we report the development of a rapid, simple and effective yeast detection system for androgenic and antiandrogenic compounds, which is based on the yeast two-hybrid protein interaction. A yeast strain, ARhLBD-ASC1, was established by co-transformation of yeast cells harboring a lacZ reporter plasmid with two vectors expressing each of LexA fused hinge-ligand binding domain (hLBD) of androgen receptor (AR) and B42 fused ASC-1 that interacts with the AR-hLBD in an androgen-dependent manner. In this yeast strain, androgens, but not other hormones, strongly stimulated the beta-galactosidase activity in a dose-dependent manner. The AR antagonists flutamide, cyproterone acetate and spironolactone, and environmental antiandrogens p,p'-DDE and vinclozolin all inhibited the response of the yeast cells to 10 nM testosterone, qualitatively similar to their inhibition reported in mammalian cell systems. Furthermore, the bioassay can be performed with the simple X-gal staining on microtiter plates, suggesting this system as a powerful tool for practical and efficient screening of environmental compounds for their androgenic and antiandrogenic activities.

Androgen Antagonists↗
PubMed2003

Clinicopathologic features of ileocolonic malignant lymphoma: analysis according to colonoscopic classification.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to classify primary ileocolonic lymphomas according to colonoscopic findings and to determine the clinicopathologic relationship according to classes. METHODS: Thirty-two patients (22 men, 10 women; age range 29 to 75 years) with primary malignant lymphoma of the terminal ileum and/or colorectum were studied. The clinicopathologic features were evaluated according to colonoscopic findings. RESULTS: Thirty-six lesions in 32 patients were endoscopically classified as follows: fungating (14, 39%), ulcerofungating (11, 31%), infiltrative (5, 14%), ulceroinfiltrative (4, 11%), and ulcerative (2, 6%). Location of the lesions was as follows: terminal ileum, 15 (42%); colorectum, 14 (39%); both regions, 7 (19%). The most common histopathologic types were diffuse large cell (22, 69%) and large cell immunoblastic (5, 16%). There was no relationship between the endoscopic findings and histologic types. In 9 patients (28%), the clinical manifestation was intussusception, and all were found endoscopically to have the fungating type lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Primary ileocolonic lymphomas can be classified endoscopically into fungating, ulcerative, infiltrative, ulcerofungating, and ulceroinfiltrative types. Among these, fungating and ulcerofungating are the most frequent. Intussusception is a common clinical finding in ileocolonic lymphomas, occurring mainly in patients with the fungating type of lesion.

Colon↗
PubMed2003

[Measurement of telomerase activity and telomerase reverse transcriptase expression in gastric fluid and tissue for early diagnosis of stomach cancer].

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Telomerase activity and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression have been proposed as a marker for malignancy. However, little is known about those markers in intestinal metaplasia (IM). This study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of telomerase activity in gastric washing fluid and TERT expression in tissue as a marker for early diagnosis of stomach cancer. METHODS: Gastric washing fluid and biopsies were taken endoscopically. We examined the telomerase activity by telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) and the TERT expression by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in 26, 21 and 15 cases of cancer, IM, and normal mucosa respectively. RESULTS: The telomerase activity was positive in 65% of cancer, 44% of incomplete IM, and 33% of complete IM. The TERT was expressed in 89% of cancer, 81% of IM, but not in normal mucosa. The TERT expression level was higher in cancer and incomplete IM than in complete IM and normal mucosa (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Telomerase activity in gastric washing fluid and TERT expression in tissue may have limited usefulness as a marker for the early diagnosis of stomach cancer. However, the increased levels of TERT expression in IM and cancer suggest that TERT expression may be associated with carcinogenesis in stomach cancer.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed2002

Primary colorectal lymphoma: spectrum of imaging findings with pathologic correlation.

Primary colorectal lymphoma is a very uncommon disease; therefore, it has received little attention in the radiology literature. Moreover, imaging features of newly described pathologic subtypes have not been reported such as low-grade B-cell lymphoma arising from mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue and peripheral T-cell lymphoma that involves colorectal area. We retrospectively reviewed double-contrast barium enema and CT scans in the patients with primary colorectal lymphoma. In this article the radiologic appearances of primary colorectal lymphoma are categorized into focal lesion and diffuse lesion. Focal lesion includes polypoid mass, circumferential infiltration with smooth mucosal surface, circumferential infiltration with extensive ulceration, cavitary mass, mucosal nodularity, and mucosal fold thickening. Diffuse lesion includes diffuse ulcerative lesion and diffuse nodular lesion. Peripheral T-cell lymphomas that involve the colon manifested as either a diffuse or focal segmental lesion and showed extensive mucosal ulceration. These findings are similar to those of Crohn's disease or tuberculous colitis and are different from those of previously reported colorectal lymphoma. Low-grade B-cell lymphoma arising from mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue manifest as multiple mucosal nodularity. The imaging features of primary colorectal lymphoma are quite variable and overlap with other colonic pathology; however, it is important for radiologists to know the imaging features of primary colorectal lymphoma with their pathologic correlation.

Barium Sulfate↗
PubMed2002

Activating signal cointegrator 1 is highly expressed in murine testicular Leydig cells and enhances the ligand-dependent transactivation of androgen receptor.

Activating signal cointegrator 1 (ASC-1) has been recently reported as a coactivator of some nuclear receptors. In the present study, we have analyzed the expression of ASC-1 in the mouse testis and investigated its capacity to modulate the transcriptional activity of androgen receptor (AR). We found that although ASC-1 mRNA was ubiquitously expressed at a low level in mouse tissues, a couple of testis-specific mRNAs were expressed in the adult testis. Cloning of one testis-specific variant revealed that the ubiquitous and testis-specific transcripts of ASC-1 share at least the same open reading frame. The expression of the testis-specific ASC-1 mRNAs was developmentally regulated, and the onset of their expression coincided with the initiation of spermatogenesis. In situ hybridization of mouse testis with ASC-1 antisense probe demonstrated predominant expression of ASC-1 in the interstitial Leydig cells that express AR. Moreover, yeast two-hybrid tests and glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays revealed that ASC-1 associates directly with AR and that the hinge domain of AR and a putative zinc-finger motif of ASC-1 are major determinants for their interaction. Transient transfection assays performed by expressing ASC-1 in combination with AR and an androgen-responsive reporter gene showed that ASC-1 moderately alters the induction of the reporter gene. Taken together, these results suggest that ASC-1 may function as an AR coregulator and have a role in testicular functions.

Animals↗