T-cell factor (TCF)-1 protein forms the transcriptional complex with B-catenin and regulates the expression of diverse target genes during early development and carcinogenesis. We have selected previously an RNA aptamer that binds to the DNA-binding domain of TCF-1 and have shown that it interfered with binding of TCF-1 to its specific DNA recognition sequences in vitro. As an approach to modulate the transcription by TCF/B-catenin complex in the cells, we have developed the RNA expression vector for stable expression of RNA aptamer inside of the mammalian cells. High level of RNA was expressed as an intramer in the fusion with the stable RNA transcript. The RNA intramer inhibited TCF/B-catenin transcription activity as shown by luciferase assay. It also modulated the expression of TCF/B-catenin target genes, such as cyclin D1 and matrix metalloproteinase-7, as predicted to be as an effective inhibitor of the TCF function. In addition, it efficiently reduced the growth rate and tumorigenic potential of HCT116 colon cancer cells. Such RNA intramer could lead to valuable gene therapeutics for TCF/B-catenin-mediated carcinogenesis. [Mol Cancer Ther 2006;5(9):2428 -34]

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The aim of this study was to develop rice wine (Yakju) containing various amounts and particle sizes of ginseng powder and to analyze the physicochemical characteristics and content of ginsenosides in ginseng-Yakju. Soluble solid content, pH, ethanol concentration, acidity, amino acid content, and evaluation of preference showed no difference between four kinds of Yakju groups, regardless of ginseng supplementation and particle size of the ginseng powder. During fermentation of Yakju containing ginseng, the contents of ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, and Rc were decreased. Otherwise, the content of ginsenoside Rh1 was increased highly by brewing microorganisms in Yakju. Recovery ratios of ginsenosides in ginseng-Yakju were approximately 25.4% (coarse ginseng power) and 23.8% (fine ginseng powder), which were superior to the recovery ratio of ginsenosides in Yakju containing ginseng slices (5%).

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