• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.345-352
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• 2021

Diarthron linifolium Turcz. is an annual herb usually found in sandy soil or limestone areas. Plants in the genus Diarthron are known to have toxic chemicals that may, however, be potentially useful as an anticancer treatment. Diarthron linifolium is a unique species among the species of the genus distributed in Korea. Here, we determine the genetic variation of D. linifolium collected in Korea with a full chloroplast genome and investigate its evolutionary status by means of a phylogenetic analysis. The chloroplast genome of Korean D. linifolium has a total length of 172,644 bp with four subregions; 86,158 bp of large single copy and 2,858 bp of small single copy (SSC) regions are separated by 41,814 bp of inverted repeat (IR) regions. We found that the SSC region of D. linifolium is considerably short but that IRs are relatively long in comparison with other chloroplast genomes. Various simple sequence repeats were identified, and our nucleotide diversity analysis suggested potential marker regions near ndhF. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that D. linifolium from Korea is a sister to the group of Daphne species.

• Mycobiology
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.559-581
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• 2021

The coastal marine ecosystems of Vietnam are one of the global biodiversity hotspots, but the biodiversity of marine fungi is not well known. To fill this major gap of knowledge, we assessed the genetic diversity (ITS sequence) of 75 fungal strains isolated from 11 surface coastal marine and deeper waters in Nha Trang Bay and Van Phong Bay using a culture-dependent approach and 5 OTUs (Operational Taxonomic Units) of fungi in three representative sampling sites using next-generation sequencing. The results from both approaches shared similar fungal taxonomy to the most abundant phylum (Ascomycota), genera (Candida and Aspergillus) and species (Candida blankii) but were different at less common taxa. Culturable fungal strains in this study belong to 3 phyla, 5 subdivisions, 7 classes, 12 orders, 17 families, 22 genera and at least 40 species, of which 29 species have been identified and several species are likely novel. Among identified species, 12 and 28 are new records in global and Vietnamese marine areas, respectively. The analysis of enzyme activity and the checklist of trophic mode and guild assignment provided valuable additional biological information and suggested the ecological function of planktonic fungi in the marine food web. This is the largest dataset of marine fungal biodiversity on morphology, phylogeny and enzyme activity in the tropical coastal ecosystems of Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Biogeographic aspects, ecological factors and human impact may structure mycoplankton communities in such aquatic habitats.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.12
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• pp.1497-1505
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• 2022

Recently, the concept of personalized nutrition has been developed, which states that food components do not always lead to the same metabolic responses, but vary from person to person. Although this concept has been studied based on individual genetic backgrounds, researchers have recently explored its potential role in the gut microbiome. The gut microbiota physiologically communicates with humans by forming a bidirectional relationship with the micronutrients, macronutrients, and phytochemicals consumed by the host. Furthermore, the gut microbiota can vary from person to person and can be easily shifted by diet. Therefore, several recent studies have reported the application of personalized nutrition to intestinal microflora. This review provides an overview of the interaction of diet with the gut microbiome and the latest evidence in understanding the inter-individual differences in dietary responsiveness according to individual baseline gut microbiota and microbiome-associated dietary intervention in diseases. The diversity of the gut microbiota and the presence of specific microorganisms can be attributed to physiological differences following dietary intervention. The difference in individual responsiveness based on the gut microbiota has the potential to become an important research approach for personalized nutrition and health management, although further well-designed large-scale studies are warranted.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.225-233
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• 2022

Pyogo (Shiitake, Lentinula edodes) is one of the most important edible mushrooms because of its outstanding nutritive and medicinal value. In the registration and protection procedure for newly developed mushroom cultivars, the application of molecular markers that can supplement the morphological characteristic-based distinction has been strongly requested. Sanjo 701 and Chamaram, newly developed at the Federation Forest Mushroom Research Center of Korea, have been characterized as innovative cultivars suitable for customer demands because of their high yields and cultivation rates. However, no technical tools can protect the rights to these important cultivars. In this study, using comparative genomic information from 23 commercially available pyogo cultivars, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that accurately differentiated Sanjo701 and Chamaram from the other cultivars. We also developed high-resolution melting analysis (HRM)-based SNP markers that discriminate among the tested 23 pyogo cultivars. The developed SNP markers can be utilized for rapid, accurate identification of pyogo cultivars with low genetic diversity and to prevent cultivar contamination caused by illegally distributed inocula. In addition, these markers can serve as a crucial scientific basis for securing the right to conserve new cultivars in international markets.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.12
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• pp.1615-1624
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• 2023

Microcystis blooms threaten ecosystem function and cause substantial economic losses. Microorganismbased methods, mainly using cyanobactericidal bacteria, are considered one of the most ecologically sound methods to control Microcystis blooms. This study focused on gaining genomic insights into Paucibacter aquatile DH15 that exhibited excellent cyanobactericidal effects against Microcystis. Additionally, a pan-genome analysis of the genus Paucibacter was conducted to enhance our understanding of the ecophysiological significance of this genus. Based on phylogenomic analyses, strain DH15 was classified as a member of the species Paucibacter aquatile. The genome analysis supported that strain DH15 can effectively destroy Microcystis, possibly due to the specific genes involved in the flagellar synthesis, cell wall degradation, and the production of cyanobactericidal compounds. The pan-genome analysis revealed the diversity and adaptability of the genus Paucibacter, highlighting its potential to absorb external genetic elements. Paucibacter species were anticipated to play a vital role in the ecosystem by potentially providing essential nutrients, such as vitamins B₇, B₁₂, and heme, to auxotrophic microbial groups. Overall, our findings contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of cyanobactericidal bacteria against Microcystis and shed light on the ecological significance of the genus Paucibacter.

• Journal of Species Research
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.332-339
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• 2024

The filamentous freshwater red alga Compsopogon caeruleus(Compsopogonophyceae, Compsopogonaceae, Rhodophyta) occurs in tropical and subtropical regions of worldwide. This species has been reported from Asia, America, Africa, Europe and Oceania, and the worldwide distribution of Compsopogon caeruleus is in variable water habitats. Several morphospecies of the genus Compsopogon had been recorded, but recent molecular phylogenetic analyses with worldwide sampling identified a monospecific genus, C. caeruleus. In the present study, we first report a freshwater red alga Compsopogon caeruleus from Korea. We identified Compsopogon caeruleus in an urban river in Yongin City, and analyzed its morphological and genetic characteristics. Nuclear 18S rDNA, plastidal rbcL gene and mitochondrial cox1 gene sequences isolated from Korean Compsopogon caeruleus showed high sequences similarity with Compsopogon caeruleus from worldwide (98.6-100% (18S rDNA), 99-100% (rbcL) and 97.7-100% (cox1)). These sequences similarities support the identification of a red alga found in Korea as Compsopogon caeruleus. This new geographical report provides the useful information for understanding the distribution and habitat range of Compsopogon caeruleus especially concerning urban freshwater environments.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.78-85
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• 2002

Fifteen isolates from pear, and sixteen isolates from KCTC, KCCM, and Chungnam Univ. of Penicillium spp. were investigated for the analysis of their relationships of cultural characteristics and RAPD genetic variation by RAPD. The cultural characteristics of Penicillium spp. were shown different growth rate, morphology, and color. In addition, the cultural characteristics and RAPD analysis were conducted for the pear rot pathogens and related isolates. RAPD patterns were applied to compare the taxonomic and genetic diversity of the Penicillium species between 15 groups isolated from pear fruits and 16 standard species. The genomic DNA were amplified from $0.1{\sim}2.0kb$ by five URP primer and 744 bands were detected. The cluster analysis showed four genomic DNA RAPD groups and its similarity was 47.7%. Intraspecific relationships were 87.4, 97.5 and 95.2%, in P. expansum, P. solitum, and P. crustosum, respectively. These results appeared to be that there were high similarities between isolates, and consistent with the results of cultural morphological characteristics analysis.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.473-480
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• 2017

Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein-1 (PvMSP1) gene codes for a major malaria vaccine candidate antigen. However, its polymorphic nature represents an obstacle to the design of a protective vaccine. In this study, we analyzed the genetic polymorphism and natural selection of the C-terminal 42 kDa fragment within PvMSP1 gene ($PvMSP1_{42}$) from 77 P. vivax isolates, collected from imported cases of China-Myanmar border (CMB) areas in Yunnan province and the inland cases from Anhui, Yunnan, and Zhejiang province in China during 2009-2012. Totally, 41 haplotypes were identified and 30 of them were new haplotypes. The differences between the rates of non-synonymous and synonymous mutations suggest that $PvMSP1_{42}$ has evolved under natural selection, and a high selective pressure preferentially acted on regions identified of $PvMSP1_{33}$. Our results also demonstrated that $PvMSP1_{42}$ of P. vivax isolates collected on China-Myanmar border areas display higher genetic polymorphisms than those collected from inland of China. Such results have significant implications for understanding the dynamic of the P. vivax population and may be useful information towards China malaria elimination campaign strategies.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.36-45
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• 2006

Twenty isolates of Didymella bryoniae were isolated from infected cucurbit plants in various growing areas of southern Korea in 2001 and 2002. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) group [RG] I of D. bryoniae was more virulent than RG IV to watermelon. Virulence of the RG I isolate was strong to moderate to cucumber, whereas that of the RG IV varied from strong, moderate to weak. Two hundred seventy-three amplified fragments were produced with 40 primers, and were analyzed by a cluster analysis using UPGMA method with an arithmetic average program of NTSYSPC. At the distance level of 0.7, two major genomic DNA RAPD groups were differentiated among 20 isolates. The RG I included 7 isolates from watermelon and one isolate from melon, whereas the RG IV included 12 isolates from squash, cucumber, watermelon and melon. Amplification of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and small subunit rRNA region from the 20 isolates yielded respectively a single fragment. Restriction pattern with 12 restriction enzymes was identical for all isolates tested, suggesting that variation in the ITS and small subunit within the D. bryoniae were low. Amplification of the genomic DNAs of the tested isolates with the sequence characterized amplified regions (SCAR) primer RG IF-RG IR specific for RG I group resulted in a single band of 650bp fragment for 8 isolates out of the 20 isolates. Therefore, these 8 isolates could be assigned into RG I. The same experiments done with RG IIF-RG IIR resulted in no amplified PCR product for the 20 isolates tested. An about 1.4 kb-fragment amplified from the RG IV isolates was specifically hybridized with PCR fragments amplified from genomic DNAs of the RG IV isolates only, suggesting that this PCR product could be used for discriminating the RG IV isolates from the RG I isolates as well other fungal species.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.269-278
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• 2008

Ripe rot was frequently observed on fruits, leaves and stems of grape growing in eight locations in Korea from 2004 to 2006. All 30 isolates of Colletotrichum sp. were obtained from lesions of the ripe rot on grape plants. Out of the isolates, 19 isolates were identified as Colletotrichum acutatum and the others as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides based on morphological and cultural characteristics. Inter and intra specific variations of the Colletotrichum spp. isolates were investigated using RAPD and sequences of rDNA ITS and $\beta$-tubulin-2. Isolates of C. acutatum and C. gloeosporioides were distinctly differentiated by molecular analyses. Phylogenetic trees of ITS and$\beta$-tubulin-2 showed that Korean isolates of C. acutatum were clustered into groups A2 and A3 among the eight global groups. A2 included non-chromogenic isolates and A3 chromogenic ones. Both C. acutatum and C. gloeosporioides isolates were tested for pathogenicity to grape leaves. All isolates tested induced lesions on the leaves of grape by artificial inoculation. There was no difference in pathogenicity between C. acutatum and C. gloeosporioides isolates. This is the first report that C. acutatum except C. gloeosporioides causes grape ripe rot in Korea.