• Molecules and Cells
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.304-315
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• 2007

Fusarium graminearum causes a serious scab disease of small grains in Korea. The nucleotide sequence of the genomic RNA of a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus, Fusarium graminearum virus-DK21 (FgV-DK21), from F. graminearum strain DK21, which is associated with hypovirulence in F. graminearum, was determined and compared to the genome sequences of other mycoviruses, including Cryponectria hypoviruses. The FgV-DK21 dsRNA consists of 6,624 nucleotides, excluding the 3'-terminal poly(A) tail. The viral genome has 53- and 46-nucleotide 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs), respectively, and five putative open reading frames. A phylogenetic analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence of ORF1, which encodes a putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and those of other mycoviruses revealed that this organism forms a distinct virus clade with other hypoviruses, and is more distantly related to other mycoviruses (3.8 to 24.0% identity). However, pairwise sequence comparisons of the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of ORFs 2 through 5 revealed no close relationships to other protein sequences currently available in GenBank. Analyses of RNA accumulation by Northern blot and primer extension indicated that these putative gene products are expressed from at least two different subgenomic RNAs (sgRNAs), in contrast to the cases in other hypoviruses. This study suggests the existence of a new, as yet unassigned, genus of mycoviruses that exhibits a potex-like genome organization and sgRNA accumulation.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.54-62
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• 2024

Purpose: Accidental vaccination with a live attenuated low-virulence strain of Miyagi (LOM) vaccine led to the reemergence of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) in Jeju province, South Korea in 2014. To control the continual outbreaks of LOM-derived CSFV, the provincial government launched a provincial mass vaccination project using a CSF-E2 subunit vaccine. We conducted this study to assess the herd immunity level and outcomes of E2 vaccine-based immunization in breeding and growing herds on Jeju Island during 2020-2021. Materials and Methods: A large-scale vaccination trial using the Bayovac CSF-E2 vaccine investigated its efficacy in breeding and growing herds under farm application conditions (10 CSFV-affected and three CSFV-naïve swine farms). Results: The level of herd immunity in each farm was classified into three (S1-S3) and six (G1-G6) profiles in breeding and growing herds, respectively. Immunity monitoring revealed a remarkable improvement in the herd immunity status in all farms. The majority (10/13) of farms, including CSFV-free farms, showed the S1G1 immunity profile in 2021, indicating the appropriate implementation of the advised vaccination regime. Moreover, there were significant decreases in E^rns seropositivity from 100% to 50% and 25.9% to 4.3% at farm and pig levels, respectively. In particular, all farms were confirmed as CSFV free in the growing-finishing herds. Conclusion: Our large-scale trial demonstrated the effectiveness of the E2 subunit vaccine in establishing herd immunity stabilization and eliminating CSFV circulation in the affected farms and highlighted the need for a provincial vaccination policy to regain the CSF-free status on Jeju Island.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.487-495
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• 2021

Lentinula edodes is a tetrapolar basidiomycete and its mating type is determined by two unlinked genetic loci, A and B. Theoretically, one dikaryotic strain could produce basidiospores with four different mating types in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. Previous studies have described the skewed segregation ratio of mating types among basidiospores of L. edodes. However, they were based only on morphological characteristics, such as clamp connection, to determine mating types. To clarify whether the segregation distortion of mating types is a general phenomenon in L. edodes, we analyzed the mating types of basidiospores obtained from three cultivars of L. edodes using recently developed DNA markers. We found that the skewed segregation of mating types was strain-specific, as reported previously. Among the three cultivars, one cultivar showed balanced segregation, while the other two displayed distorted segregation. We also examined the relationship between mating type and mycelial growth rate of monokaryons derived from each basidiospore. It was found that the monokaryotic mycelial growth rate was related to the A mating type but not to the B mating type. Therefore, homeodomain transcription factor genes that reside on the A locus or other genes linked to the A locus affect the growth rate of monokaryotic mycelia. Considering the importance of mating types in mushroom breeding, this study is informative for establishing an efficient breeding strategy as well as for understanding the mechanism of monokaryotic mycelial growth.

• BMB Reports
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.282-291
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• 2004

Phytases catalyze the release of phosphate from phytic acid. Phytase-producing microorganisms were selected by culturing the soil extracts on agar plates containing phytic acid. Two hundred colonies that exhibited potential phytase activity were selected for further study. The colony showing the highest phytase activity was identified as Aspergillus niger and designated strain 113. The phytase gene from A. niger 113 (phyI1) was isolated, cloned, and characterized. The nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence identity between phyI1 and phyA from NRRL3135 were 90% and 98%, respectively. The identity between phyI1 and phyA from SK-57 was 89% and 96%. A synthetic phytase gene, phyI1s, was synthesized by successive PCR and transformed into the yeast expression vector carrying a signal peptide that was designed and synthesized using P. pastoris biased codon. For the phytase expression and secretion, the construct was integrated into the genome of P. pastoris by homologous recombination. Over-expressing strains were selected and fermented. It was discovered that ~4.2 g phytase could be purified from one liter of culture fluid. The activity of the resulting phytase was 9.5 U/mg. Due to the heavy glycosylation, the expressed phytase varied in size (120, 95, 85, and 64 kDa), but could be deglycosylated to a homogeneous 64 kDa species. An enzymatic kinetics analysis showed that the phytase had two pH optima (pH 2.0 and pH 5.0) and an optimum temperature of $60^{\circ}C$.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.242-248
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• 2014

This study was conducted to establish an efficient transformation system by using somatic embryogenesis in an important Korean native conifer, Korean fir (Abies koreana). Embryogenic masses were induced from mature zygotic embryos of the Korean fir on Schenk and Hildebrandt medium, which was supplemented with thidiazuron. For genetic transformation, the embryogenic masses were co-cultivated with a disarmed Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain C58/pMP90 containing the plasmid vector pBIV10 or LBA4404 containing the plasmid vector MP90. Both vectors contain the kanamycin resistance and beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter genes. A total of 48 lines of embryogenic masses were selected on mLV medium containing $50{\mu}g/mL$ of kanamycin after 4 weeks of culture, following 3 days of co-cultivation with A. tumefaciens strain C58/pMP90 carrying pBIV10 (none of the lines was cultivated with strain LBA4404 carrying MP90). Quantitative real-time PCR was performed, and high levels of GUS transcripts were observed in the 48 putative transgenic lines; however, the control (non-transgenic line) showed negative results. Results of histochemical staining showed that the expression of the GUS reporter gene was observed in somatic embryos that developed from the embryogenic masses of all 48 lines. Stably transformed cultures were successfully produced by co-cultivation with A. tumefaciens strain C58/pMP90 carrying pBIV10 in Korean fir. Here, we have reported an Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer protocol via somatic embryogenesis that may be helpful in developing breeding and conservation strategies for the Korean fir.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.29.1-29.12
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• 2023

Background: Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is a widespread and highly infectious pathogen in cats with a high mortality rate. Although Yanji has a developed cat breeding industry, the variation of FPV locally is still unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to isolate and investigate the epidemiology of FPV in Yanji between 2021 and 2022. Methods: A strain of FPV was isolated from F81 cells. Cats suspected of FPV infection (n = 80) between 2021 and 2022 from Yanji were enrolled in this study. The capsid protein 2 (VP2) of FPV was amplified. It was cloned into the pMD-19T vector and transformed into a competent Escherichia coli strain. The positive colonies were analyzed via VP2 Sanger sequencing. A phylogenetic analysis based on a VP2 coding sequence was performed to identify the genetic relationships between the strains. Results: An FPV strain named YBYJ-1 was successfully isolated. The virus diameter was approximately 20-24 nm, 50% tissue culture infectious dose = 1 × 10^-4.94/mL, which caused cytopathic effect in F81 cells. The epidemiological survey from 2021 to 2022 showed that 27 of the 80 samples were FPV-positive. Additionally, three strains positive for CPV-2c were unexpectedly found. Phylogenetic analysis showed that most of the 27 FPV strains belonged to the same group, and no mutations were found in the critical amino acids. Conclusions: A local FPV strain named YBYJ-1 was successfully isolated. There was no critical mutation in FPV in Yanji, but some cases with CPV-2c infected cats were identified.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.255-262
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• 2019

The micronutrients and flavor compounds of three new native chicken strains (A, C, and D) being developed in a breeding program (Golden Seed Project) were compared with a commercial native chicken strain (H) and the Baeksemi (W, white semi broiler). After 100 male chicks in each strains were reared for 5 weeks, the breast muscles from randomly selected 40 birds were analyzed at 8 replications. Native chicken strain A had greater amounts of α-tocopherol and α-tocotrienol compared with strain W. Native chicken strains showed higher contents of vitamin B₁₂ than Stain W. Stain H strain had the highest values of cholesterol content and strain D did the lowest. There was no different content of most minerals between native chickens (A, C, D, and H) and W, but Cu were more contained in native chicken strains compared with W. In terms of nucleotide-related flavor compounds, Stain A had the lowest content of hypoxanthine and strain D had highest inosine monophosphate. Native chicken strains had higher contents of umami-related free amino acids (glutamate and aspartate) than W. Among native chickens, strain A had more amounts in the contents of taurine, tasty flavor compounds, and certain vitamins, despite of the relatively low growth productivity. This result will provide information to select a strain with characteristic meat quality in a chicken breeding program.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.175-182
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• 2018

The carcass and meat quality of new native chicken strains (A, C, and D) being developed in the Golden Seed Project for Samgyetang were compared with a commercial native chicken (Hanhyup No. 3, H) and Baeksemi (white semi broiler, W) strains. In total, 250 male chicks were raised under the same feeding and raising conditions for 5 weeks. After slaughter, the carcass weight and percentage yield of parts from each strain were measured and the physicochemical quality traits (general composition, color values, fatty acid composition, and sensory evaluation) of breast muscles were comparatively analyzed. The carcass weight (875.10 g) of the W strain was significantly heavier than that of the other native chicken strains, while that of A strain (537.54 g) was the lowest. The percentage yield of breast meat was also higher in the W strain than in the other strains. The fat content of W strain was higher than that of the other native chicken strains. The new native chicken strains (A, C, D) had higher contents of linoleic acid (C18:2) than the H strain. The A and D strains especially showed relatively high content of arachidonic acid (C20:4), a characteristic fatty acid in native chicken meats. On the other hand, the fatty acid composition of C strain was similar to that of the W strain. This study provides important information on specific quality characteristics than can be used to select new native chicken lines for breeding program.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.111-117
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• 2017

The mushroom species Cordyceps militaris has been studied and cultivated as a medicinal mushroom due to its multiple valuable biological and pharmaceutical activities. For breeding new strains of C. militaris, multiplex PCR assays were performed using primers specific for its mating type genes, MAT1-1 and MAT1-2. Mating types and mating status were confirmed, as evidenced by DNA bands at 233-bp and 191-bp for MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 respectively. The novel 'Dowonhongcho 2ho' was developed through mating; they were found to possess high-quality fruiting bodies when grown in artificial media. The stromata of the new strain were club-shaped, with a bright orange-red color, and measured 7.1 cm in length. They had an average cordycepin content of 0.33%. Compared to 'Dowonhongcho,' the new strain had a 7% higher yield, as well as firm fruiting bodies. The optimum temperature for mycelial growth was $20{\sim}25^{\circ}C$, and the optimum temperature for stroma development was $18{\sim}22^{\circ}C$. The fruiting bodies developed after 49.1 days from inoculation. The use of mating type molecular markers improved the breeding efficiency of the new strain 'Dowonhongcho 2ho.' Thus, they may be valuable for artificial cultivation and industrial-scale production of C. militaris with excellent characteristics.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.283-292
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• 1986

Isolation and identification of Mycoplasma were performed to clarify Mycoplasma infection of mice fed by conventional feeding at two ($K_1$, $K_2$) institutes in Korea. The twenty mice to be tested were randomly sampled from each of 10 breeding colonies in respective institute. Identification of the Mycoplasma strains isolated from the nasal cavity, lung and synovia of mice was made according to the morphology of colonies, biological and biochemical properties with special reference to M. pulmonis, M. arthrotodis and M. neurolyticum. In addition, growth inhibition test was performed using hyperimmune rabbit antisera to the strain PG-22 of M. pulmonis, the strain PG-6 of M, arthritidis and the strain PG-28 of M. neurolyticum and also differentiation of isolates from L-form bacteria was dont by Dieses staining and culture method with passage of the isolates on liquid media eliminated antibacterial drug. On the other hand, a total of 13 strains out of the 44 isolated M. pulmonis from mice was investigated for their susceptibility against 16 antibiotics in vitro. The antibiotic sensitivity test was made using $3{\times}10^4$ organisms/0.3ml on each plate(90mm diameter) with antibiotic mono-or tri-disk. The results obtained are summarized as follows: 1. Out of 20 mice from 10 breeding colonies in Kl institute, mycoplasma-like strains from the nasal cavity of 16 mice(80%) and from the lung of 8 mice(40%) were isolated, while out of 20 mice in K2 institute, M-like strains were isolated from the nasal cavity of 14 mice(70%) and from the lung of 6 mice(30%). However, no mycoplasma-like organisms were isolated from the synovia of the 40 mice examined. All the 44 strains isolated were identified as the organisms of M. pulmonis. 2. Out of the 16 antibiotics tested, penicillin, oleandomycin and bacitracin showed no activity against all the 13 M. pulmonis strains. On the contrary, lincomycin, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, minocycline, kanamycin, gentamycin and tobramycin showed high activity with three different antibiotic concentration of tridisk, but amikasin and spiramycin showed intermediate activity. Other antibiotics such as polymyxin B and colistin showed low activity, while erythromycin showed lower activity than others.