Browsing by Author "Su, Wen-Chi"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2

CELLO2GO: A Web Server for Protein subCELlular LOcalization Prediction with Functional Gene Ontology Annotation
(2014-06-09)
Yu, Chin-Sheng
;
Cheng, Chih-Wen
;
Su, Wen-Chi
;
Chang, Kuei-Chung
;
Huang, Shao-Wei
CELLO2GO (http://cello.life.nctu.edu.tw/cello2go/) is a publicly available, web-based system for screening various properties of a targeted protein and its subcellular localization. Herein, we describe how this platform is used to obtain a brief or detailed gene ontology (GO)-type categories, including subcellular localization(s), for the queried proteins by combining the CELLO localization-predicting and BLAST homology-searching approaches. Given a query protein sequence, CELLO2GO uses BLAST to search for homologous sequences that are GO annotated in an in-house database derived from the UniProt KnowledgeBase database. At the same time, CELLO attempts predict at least one subcellular localization on the basis of the species in which the protein is found. When homologs for the query sequence have been identified, the number of terms found for each of their GO categories, i.e., cellular compartment, molecular function, and biological process, are summed and presented as pie charts representing possible functional annotations for the queried protein. Although the experimental subcellular localization of a protein may not be known, and thus not annotated, CELLO can confidentially suggest a subcellular localization. CELLO2GO should be a useful tool for research involving complex subcellular systems because it combines CELLO and BLAST into one platform and its output is easily manipulated such that the user-specific questions may be readily addressed.
Opposite Expression of Securin and gamma-H2AX Regulates Baicalein-Induced Cancer Cell Death
(2010-10-01)
Jiang, Ren-Huei
;
Su, Wen-Chi
;
Liu, Huei-Fang
;
Huang, Hou-Syun
;
Chao, Jui-I
Securin and gamma-H2AX have been shown to regulate cell survival and genomic stability. However, it is still unknown how the expression and regulation of these proteins is altered following treatment with baicalein, a natural flavonoid extracted from the Scutellaria baicalensis root. In the present study, we investigate the possible roles of securin and gamma-H2AX in baicalein-induced cancer cell death. Baicalein reduced cell viability in a variety of human cancer cell lines, including bladder, cervical, colon, and lung cancer cells. Interestingly, baicalein treatment (40-80 mu M for 24 h) markedly inhibited securin expression, while the levels of gamma-H2AX were elevated. Abnormal spindle formation and chromosomal segregation were induced by baicalein. Furthermore, wild type HCT116 cancer cells had a higher incidence of cytotoxicity and apoptosis than securin-null HCT116 cells following treatment with baicalein. In contrast, baicalein increased the levels of gamma-H2AX to a similar extent in both cell types. Transfection with H2AX siRNA further increased baicalein-induced cell death. Additionally, blockade of the AKT pathway by treatment with wortmannin or AKT shRNA lowered the levels of gamma-H2AX and enhanced cytotoxicity in baicalein-treated cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that the opposing effects of baicalein on securin and gamma-H2AX levels may be involved in the regulation of cell viability and genomic stability by this compound. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 274-283, 2010. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.