• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 2017

Tan spot, caused by the fungus Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, is economically important foliar disease in Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania; however, race structure from Baltic States and Romania is not known. In this study, we performed genotypic and phenotypic race characterization of a large collection of P. tritici-repentis isolates from these countries to determine race structure and utilize this information for better disease management and breeding wheat for tan spot resistance. We characterized 231 single spore isolates from Latvia (n = 15), Lithuania (n = 107), and Romania (n = 109) for Ptr ToxA and Ptr ToxB genes using two genes specific primers. A subset (139) of 231 isolates were further characterized for their race structure by inoculating them individually on tan spot wheat differentials set. Majority (83%) of the 231 isolates amplified Ptr ToxA gene suggesting prevalence of race 1 and 2. Further, phenotypic characterization of 139 isolates also showed wide prevalence of races 1 (68%), 2 (8%), 3 (11%), and 4 (5%) were also identified from Baltic States as well as Romania. Eighteen of the isolates (13%) did not seem to be of any of the eight known races as they lacked Ptr ToxA gene but they behaved like either race 1 or race 2, suggesting possibility of novel toxins in these isolates as their virulence tools.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.51-58
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• 2018

The expression, purification, and characterization of cold-adapted lipase from the psychrophile, Janthinobacterium sp. were investigated. The gene encoding lipase from Janthinobacterium sp. PAMC 25641 was cloned into a pET28a(+) vector and heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequence (930 bp) corresponded to a protein having 309 amino acid residues with a molecular weight of 32.7 kDa and a pI of 5.55. Recombinant E. coli harboring the Janthinobacterium lipase gene were induced by addition of isopropyl-${\beta}$-D-thiogalactopyranoside. $Ni^{2+}$-NTA affinity chromatography was used to purify the lipase, which had a specific activity of 107.9 U/mg protein. The effect of temperature and pH on the activity of lipase was measured using p-nitrophenyl octanoate as a substrate. The stability of the lipase at low temperatures indicated it is a cold-adapted enzyme. The lipase activity was increased by $Na^{2+}$, $Mg^{2+}$, and $Mn^{2+}$, and decreased by $Zn^{2+}$ and $Co^{2+}$. Analysis of the lipase activity using various p-nitrophenyl esters showed a strong preference toward short acyl chains of the esters, indicating the ability of the cold-adapted lipase to hydrolyze short-chain esters.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.135-144
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• 2018

The rapid increase in number and diversity of Extended Spectrum ${\beta}$-Lactamases (ESBLs) producing Enterobacteriaceae in natural aquatic environment is a major health concern worldwide. This study investigates abundance and distribution of ESBL producing multidrug resistant Enterobacteriaceae and molecular characterization of ESBL genes among isolates from highly polluted stretch of river Yamuna, India. Water samples were collected from ten different sites distributed across Delhi stretch of river Yamuna, during 2014-15. A total of 506 non duplicate Enterobacteriaceae isolates were obtained. Phenotypic detection of ESBL production and antibiotic sensitivity for 15 different antibiotics were performed according to CLSI guidelines (Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute, 2015). A subset of ESBL positive Enterobacteriaceae isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene and screened for ESBL genes, such as $bla_{CTX-M}$, $bla_{TEM}$ and $bla_{OXA}$. Out of 506 non-duplicate bacterial isolates obtained, 175 (34.58%) were positive for ESBL production. Susceptibility pattern for fifteen antibiotics used in this study revealed higher resistance to cefazolin, rifampicin and ampicillin. A high proportion (76.57%) of ESBL positive isolates showed multidrug resistance phenotype, with MAR index of 0.39 at Buddha Vihar and Old Delhi Railway bridge sampling site. Identification and PCR based characterization of ESBL genes revealed the prevalence of $bla_{CTX-M}$ and $bla_{TEM}$ genes to be 88.33% and 61.66%, respectively. Co-occurrence of $bla_{CTX-M}$ and $bla_{TEM}$ genes was detected in 58.33% of the resistant bacteria. The $bla_{OXA}$ gene was not detected in any isolates. This study highlights deteriorating condition of urban aquatic environment due to rising level of ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae with multidrug resistance phenotype.

• Plant Biotechnology Reports
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.317-324
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• 2009

The insecticidal toxin gene of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is one of the most commonly used in the development of genetically modified (GM) crops. In this research, we analyzed Bt rice showing lepidopteran pest-resistance. The Bt gene is a synthetic Cry1Ac composed of optimal codons for plants, and the Bt protein is targeted to the chloroplast by a transit peptide. Three Cry1Ac rice events (C103-3, C127-1, and C7-1) were analyzed for molecular characterization. C103-3 contains two copies of T-DNA where the left border (LB) region is truncated. Both C7-1 and C127-1 have a single copy of T-DNA, but a part of the vector backbone DNA is inserted into the genome of C127-1; thus, only C7-1 had intact T-DNA. Progenies of C7-1 crossed with the original cultivar, Nakdong, and double-haploid lines from anther culture of lines crossed with the elite cultivar, Dongjin, were analyzed for T-DNA flanking genomic DNA and genotyping. Results showed that an intact T-DNA region without the vector backbone was inserted into the genome and was stably inherited through generations. The C7-1 homozygous event could be used as breeding material to develop GM rice with pest resistance.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.117-125
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• 2024

This study aimed to find genetic markers for breed-independent identification of early- and late-feathering chickens. We explored the novel sequences of the ev21-K locus associated with late-feathering and investigated its characterization. Additionally, the genetic transmission pattern of the identified sequences were investigated to understand its potential application in auto-sexing lines. A total of 707 chickens from 5 chicken breeds were employed for the study. The ev21-K locus was identified through a comparative analysis of the ev21 gene and the K gene related to feather development. For analysis of identified loci, specific primers for the target sequences were prepared and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to obtain the products, and then their nucleotide sequences were analyzed. Crossbreeding tests of early-feathering and late-feathering chickens were conducted to examine the genetic transmission patterns of the identified sequences. The results showed that the identified 230 bp ev21-K locus, which named as ev21-related K specific sequences were 99% homology with the ev21 gene. PCR analysis confirmed its presence exclusively in late-feathering chickens. Comparative analyses across tissues, breeds, and ages demonstrated the sequences consistency in identifying late-feathering chickens. Genetic transmission patterns were investigated through crossbreeding tests, revealing sex-linked inheritance and consistent segregation with feathering phenotypes. The inheritance patterns of the ev21-related K specific sequences demonstrated that this locus follows the typical Mendelian inheritance pattern as a dominant gene. In conclusion, the novel sequences of ev21-K locus were a reliable molecular marker for identifying early- and late-feathering chickens across breeds.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.57-70
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• 1990

Characterization and electron microscopic visualization of the plasmid and the gene expression of Escherichia coli were carried out. Transcriptional units of active structural genes were observed after lysis of Escherichia coli cells. The ribosomes attached to the E. coli genome on mRNA molecule as polyribosomes. From this gradient of polyribosome length, we estimated location of mRNA synthesis initiation site. In this experiment, a granule is ofen present which may correspond to a RNA polymerase at the promoter site. pOX1, pOX7, pOX7A, $pOX7{\Delta}1$, pSTP36, pSTP21, pBR322, and pJH12 were visualized by way of electron microscope, and their estimated sizes were determined to be $5.70{\pm}0.08{\mu}m,\;2.15{\pm}0.10{\mu}m,\;2.14{\pm}0.12{\mu}m,\;7.39{\pm}0.08{\mu}m,\;4.03{\pm}0.04{\mu}m,\;1.50{\pm}0.03{\mu}m\;and\;1.25{\pm}0.09{\mu}m$ respectively. One micrometer of measured length corresponded to about 3.0 Kb. Mica-press adsorption method that allows selectivs visualization of the plasmid DNA released in situ from the bacterial cell is rapid and useful for visualization of plasmids. The released plasmid DNA was adsorbed preferently on mica in a divalent cation-free solution. Miller chromatin-spreading method was useful to observe the plasmid and transcripts. BAC method and cytochrome C monolayer were useful to observe the plasmid DNA. Our ability to visualize ultrastructural aspects of the expression of E. coli has given us a unique tool with which to study the regulation the level of an individual gene.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.555-561
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• 2007

To obtain low molecular weight water soluble chitosan (LMWSC) with various molecular weights, chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) with lactic acid was separated by using ultrafilteration technique and LMWSC with a free amine group was prepared by the novel salts-removal method. The characterization of LMWSC removed the lactic acid and degree of deacetylation (DDA) were identified by FT-IR and $^1H-NMR$ spectra. Polydispersity index (PDI) was $1.278{\sim}1.499$, which indicates a relatively molecular weight distribution. To identify the potential as a gene carrier, we confirmed the transfection efficiency of COS fractioned according to molecular weight successfully and the salt-removed LMWSC using 293T cell. Also, LMWSC derivatives prepared for improvement transfection efficiency were evaluated using Balb/C mice.

• BMB Reports
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.571-576
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• 2005

Cytokines are proteins produced by many different cells of the immune system and play a significant role in initiating and regulating the inflammatory process. In this research, an important cytokine, interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene, has been identified and characterized from zebrafish (Danio rerio) genome database. Zebrafish IL-10 is located within a 2690 bp fragment and contains five exons and four introns, sharing the same organization with mammalian IL-10 genes. An open reading frame of 543 bp was found to encode a putative 180 amino acid protein with a signal peptide of 22 amino acids, which shares 29.7-80.9% homology with amino acid sequences of other known IL-10. The signature motif of IL-10 is also conserved in zebrafish IL-10. The predicted transcript was finally confirmed by sequencing of cDNA clones. Multi-tissue reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) was performed to examine the tissue distribution and expression regulation of this gene in seven organs of normal and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation zebrafish. The results demonstrated that this gene was expressed slightly in normal kidney, gill and gut, no expression was detected in other four tissues. The expression was clearly upregulated after LPS stimulation. Using the ideal zebrafish model, further study of IL-10 characterization and function may provide insight on the understanding of the innate immune system.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.268-272
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• 1990

The structural gene (zadhII) encoding an alcohol dehydrogenase II from Zyrnornonas mobilis was cloned into Escherichia coli in our laboratory (Yoon et al., 1989. Kor. J. Microbiol. Biotechnol.). From E. coli (pADS93) carrying the zadhII gene, the Z mobilis alcochol dehydrogenase II (ZADH-II) was purified by sonication, $(NH_4)_2SO_4$, fractionation, and chromatography. The ZADH-I1 enzyme produced by Z. mobilis cell was also purified to compare to the enzyme produced by E. coli (pADS93). The purified enzyme from cell extract of E. coli (pADS93) was identified to be a tetramer being composed of four identical subunits having molecular weight of 40, 000 dalton like that of Z. mobilis. The pH optimum for the reaction oxidizing ethanol to acetaldehyde was 10.0 while the optimum for the reverse reaction was 7.5-8.5. The apparent $K_m$ values for ethanol and NAD + were $1.2 \times 10^{-1}M$and $5.1\times 10^{-5}M$, respectively. In addition, it was found that the $K_m$ value for acetaldehyde was very lower than that for ethanol.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.483-488
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• 2015

This report describes the molecular characterization of the Tc8.2 gene of Trypanosoma cruzi. Both the Tc8.2 gene and its encoded protein were analyzed by bioinformatics, while Northern blot and RT-PCR were used for the transcripts. Besides, immunolocalization of recombinant protein was done by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Analysis indicated the presence of a single copy of Tc8.2 in the T. cruzi genome and 2-different sized transcripts in epimastigotes/amastigotes and trypomastigotes. Immunoblotting showed 70 and 80 kDa polypeptides in epimastigotes and trypomastigotes, respectively, and a differential pattern of immunolocalization. Overall, the results suggest that Tc8.2 is differentially expressed during the T. cruzi life cycle.