• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.41 no.1
• /
• pp.31-35
• /
• 2017

Background: Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a well-known medicinal plant of Oriental medicine that is still in practice today. Until now, a total of 11 Korean ginseng cultivars with unique features to Korean ginseng have been developed based on the pure-line-selection method. Among them, a new cultivar namely G-1 with different agricultural traits related to yield and content of ginsenosides, was developed in 2012. Methods: The aim of this study was to distinguish the new ginseng cultivar G-1 by identifying the unique single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at its 45S ribosomal DNA and Panax quinquefolius region than other Korean ginseng cultivars using multiplex amplification-refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR). Results: A SNP at position of 45S ribosomal DNA region between G-1, P. quinquefolius, and the other Korean ginseng cultivars was identified. By designing modified allele-specific primers based on this site, we could specifically identified G-1 and P. quinquefolius via multiplex PCR. The unique primer for the SNP yielded an amplicon of size 449 bp in G-1 cultivar and P. quinquefolius. This study presents an effective method for the genetic identification of the G-1 cultivar and P. quinquefolius. Conclusion: The results from our study shows that this SNP-based approach to identify the G-1 cultivar will be a good way to distinguish accurately the G-1 cultivar and P. quinquefolius from other Korean ginseng cultivars using a SNP at 45S ribosomal DNA region.

• Animal cells and systems
• /
• v.2 no.2
• /
• pp.259-267
• /
• 1998

A deletion of one out of the two copies of 9-bp repeat sequence (CCCCCTCTA), between the cytochrome oxidase II and Iysine tranfer RNA (COII/$tRNA^{Lys}$) genes in human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been used as a polymorphic anthropological marker for people of east Asian origin, and to lesser extent, Pacific and African populations. We searched for the 9-bp deletion of the intergenic COII/$tRNA^{Lys}$ Lys region in two Korean populations (175 from Seoul and 38 from Cheju) and examine the distibution of this deletion in world populations. The 9-bp deletion was detected directly by electrophoresis of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified nucleotide(nt) 8211-8310 mtDNA fragment. The frequencies of the 9-bp deletion were significantly different between the Seoul (16%) and Cheju (8%) populations. Examination of data from the world populations suggests a geographic gradient. The frequency reaches its highest values in some Pacific island populations and decreases along the southeast Asia-Siberia transect. In spite of this geographic gradient, Mongoloid populations including Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Mongolian populations were relatively homo-geneous with regard to the 9-bp deletion type of the intergenic COII/$tRNA^{Lys}$ region. These results indicate Koreans are genetically related to northeast Asian populations, and have a maternal mongoloid ancestry. Therefore, the 9-bp deletion of the intergenic COII/$tRNA^{Lys}$ region will provide significant information to elucidate the historical patterns of migration of the Mongoloids.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.15-21
• /
• 2011

Cultivated tomato, Lycopersicum esculentum, is a very important crop. We selected 36 cultivars and studied them for identification and polymorphism by employing random amplified DNA (RAPD) analysis with 80 oligonucleotide primers. Of the 80 primers, 36 primers (45.0%) were polymorphic. Detection of polymorphism in cultivated tomato opens up the possibility of development of its molecular map by judicious selection of genotypes. Molecular markers can also be used for cultivar identification and protection of the plant breeder's intellectual property rights (plant breeders' rights, PBRs). As an example, DNA polymorphism using OPC-13 primer that did not produce the OPC-13-01 band was only found in Junk Pink and Ailsa Craighp cultivars. OPA-12-03 and OPB-15-07 were fragments specific to the TK-70 cultivar and were absent in other cultivars. DNA polymorphism in cultivated tomato in this study was correlated with a type of inflorescence, although some cultivars had exceptions. These approaches will be useful for developing marker-assisted selection tools for genetic enhancement of the tomato plant for desirable traits.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.23 no.12
• /
• pp.1553-1556
• /
• 2013

Flavonoids are one of the major components found in the peels of citrus fruits. Present evidence has suggested that polymethoxyflavonoids, including nobiletin and tangeretin isolated from Citrus sunki, have many biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-obesity capabilities. Here, we investigated the effect of Citrus sunki peel extract and its possible mechanisms on oxidative stress-induced MMP-1 expression, a major marker of skin photoaging. $H_2O_2$ induced MMP-1 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Extract of Citrus sunki peel (1-25 ${\mu}g/ml$) dose-dependently decreased MMP-1 mRNA levels. When $H_2O_2$ was combined with Citrus sunki peel extract, the phosphorylation of ERK was further decreased compared to a single treatment with $H_2O_2$ alone. Moreover, U0216, an MEK inhibitor, markedly prevented the production of MMP-1. These data suggest that Citrus sunki peel extract has demonstrated protective activity against oxidative damage on MMP-1 expression, and ERK MAP kinase may be involved.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.40 no.1
• /
• pp.45-53
• /
• 2017

Aberrant hypermethylation of Wnt antagonists has been observed in gastric cancer. A number of studies have focused on the hypermethylation of a single Wnt antagonist and its role in regulating the activation of signaling. However, how the Wnt antagonists interacted to regulate the signaling pathway has not been reported. In the present study, we systematically investigated the methylation of some Wnt antagonist genes (SFRP2, SFRP4, SFRP5, DKK1, DKK2, and APC) and their regulatory role in carcinogenesis. We found that aberrant promoter methylation of SFRP2, SFRP4, DKK1, and DKK2 was significantly increased in gastric cancer. Moreover, concurrent hypermethylation of SFRP2 and DKK2 was observed in gastric cancer and this was significantly associated with increased expression of ${\beta}-catenin$, indicating that the joint inactivation of these two genes promoted the activation of the Wnt signaling pathway. Further analysis using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed that DKK2 methylation was an independent prognostic factor for poor overall survival, and the predictive value was markedly enhanced when the combined methylation status of SFRP2 and DKK2 was considered. In addition, the methylation level of SFRP4 and DKK2 was correlated with the patient's age and tumor differentiation, respectively. In conclusion, epigenetic silencing of Wnt antagonists was associated with gastric carcinogenesis, and concurrent hypermethylation of SFRP2 and DKK2 could be a potential marker for a prognosis of poor overall survival.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.31 no.6
• /
• pp.28-40
• /
• 2004

The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of monuments in the Seoul Foreigners′ cemetery at Yanghwajin, a place where many prominent Christian missionaries and other Christians have been buried near Choltusan. In considering the characteristics of gravestone details, the researcher has divided the details into 4 analysis categories: forms, symbols, epitaphs, and materials. For this research, 281 monuments were selected including 68 of missionaries, 26 of U. S. Army Soldiers, and 13 of teachers. The analysis revealed that there were 26 types of monuments. This includes simple and standardized types like the tablet, headstone, marker, and monolith. These were used more often than other shaped types such as the Cross, obelisk, sculpture, etc. Standardized types made in Korea have been preferred after the 1950s even though the beauty of the gravestones has been degraded. Symbolical decorations related to religious, social, professional or military emblems were also introduced to strengthen their symbolical objectives. Among them, fie Cross was the most predominant Christian symbol and emblem. The families wanted to inscribe epitaphs, the greater part of which originated from the Bible, poems, idioms related to tribute, rest, supplications to deity, love, achievement, to express human sentiment and religious faith. When using materials for making monuments, monument makers have mostly used stone because of its durability. Until the 1950s, various stones had been used to make monuments, for most marble and granite were brought from foreign countries. These were very different from the Korean white marble stone used for many monuments. After the 1950s, the source of stone has been limited to Korean stone, for Korean could make stone monuments that foreigners were agreeable. Especially, a black marble stone called "O-Suk" which means black stone, has been used as a main material. The study identified the following characteristics of monument details in the Seoul foreigners′ cemetery at Yanghwajin. First, Christianity has been applied as the main concept, while symbolizing the homogeneity of religious, family, social, professional or military groups by having the symbolic form, symbol, and epitaph in common. Second, monuments made after the 1950s have been standardized into unattractive and monotonous forms by the limited materials, and so the beauty of the monuments has been degraded.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.30 no.3
• /
• pp.137-142
• /
• 2015

Cryopreservation of boar semen is continually researched in reproductive technologies and genetic resource banking in breed conservation. For evaluating the boar semen quality, sperm motility (MOT) is an important parameter because the movement of spermatozoa indicates active metabolism, membrane integrity and fertilizing capacity. Various researches have been trying to improve the quality of semen post-thawed in boar. Recently, polymorphism (g.158T>C) of phospholipase C zeta (PLCz) gene reported to be significant association with MOT. This study was conducted to evaluate the PLCz gene as a positional controlling for motility and kinematic characteristics of post-thawed boar semen. To results, The g.158 T>C SNP of PLCz was significantly associated with frozen semen motility and kinematic characteristics. g.158 T>C SNP was high significantly associated with MOT, VCL, VSL and VAP (p<0.0001, p=0.0002, p<0.0001 and p<0.0001, respectively). Therefore, we suggest that the intron region of the porcine PLCz, may be used as a molecular marker for Duroc boar post-thawed semen quality, although its functional effect was not defined yet. Whether the association is due to the candidate gene or not require further verification. Thus, it will be of interest to continue association studies in the regions surrounding those genes.

• Natural Product Sciences
• /
• v.13 no.4
• /
• pp.378-383
• /
• 2007

Phenathrene derivatives, such as batatasins, are well-known constituents in Dioscorea Rhizoma. Although phenanthrenes have been reported as representative compounds in this plant, standard markers for quality control have been focused on the polar constituents (saponins and purine derivatives). Herein, simple, rapid and reliable HPLC method was developed to determine 3,5-dimethoxyphenanthrene-2,7-diol (DMP) and batatasin-I (BA-I) as non-polar standard maker compounds of Dioscorea Rhizoma. DMP and BA-I were analyzed under optimized HPLC conditions [column: Columbus $5{\mu}$ C18 100A ($30{\times}4.6mm$ i.d., $5{\mu}m$; mobile phase: $H_2O$ with 0.025% $CH_3COOH$ (v/v) for solvent A and $CH_3CN$ with 0.025% $CH_3COOH$ (v/v) for solvent B, gradient elution; flow rate: 2 mL/min; detection: 260 nm), and each experiment was finished within 13 min. Good linearity was achieved in the range from 0.5 to $10.0{\mu}g/mL$ for each compound, and intra- and inter-day precision were in the acceptable levels. The recovery test were performed with three different Dioscorea Rhizoma samples (D. opposita, D. batatas and D. japonica), and showed its accuracy values in the range of 97.2 - 102.8% for three different concentrations of DMP and BA-I. The content levels of DMP and BA-I were ranged under 0.0020%. These results demonstrated that amounts of DMP and BA-I are easily determined with conventional HPLC-UV-DAD method although the content levels were lower than those of saponins and allantoin in Dioscorea Rhizoma. This HPLC method could be used for quality control of various Dioscorea preparations.

• Natural Product Sciences
• /
• v.13 no.4
• /
• pp.304-310
• /
• 2007

Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipchitz syn S. lappa C. B. Clarke (commonly known as 'Kuth') belonging to the family Asteraceae is a well known medicinal plant which finds wide usage in different indigenous systems of medicine of India, China, Korea & Tibet. In different folk medicines the roots of S. costus are used to treat various disorders like ulcer, stomachache, malaria, leprosy, dysentery and toothache. However due to over exploitation, it has become endangered and has become the concern of different governmental bodies in India. The increasing demand of this endangered Himalayan species has resulted in a situation where it is often substituted, knowingly or unknowingly, by other morphologically similar species. Arctium lappa, belonging to the same family, is one such plant that has often been found to be present in the market samples of 'Kuth'. The present study was thus carried out and morphoanatomical characters, physicochemical as well as chemical parameters were developed for proper identification of roots of S. costus and its differenciation from A. lappa as well as authentication of the commercial market samples. The detailed morphoanatomical studies revealed that roots of S. costus can be distinguished from A. lappa on the basis of some important microscopial characters eg. the schizogenous resin ducts observed in roots of S. costus, were absent in A. lappa.. Besides, the HPTLC fingerprint profile showed a distinct band at Rf. 0.72 in S. costus, which was totally absent in A. lappa and a band at $R_f$ 0.64 in A. lappa which was absent in S. costus Chlorogenic acid, used as a chemical marker for HPTLC analysis, was estimated to be 0.077% in S. costus as compared to 0.107% in A. lappa. Thus these detailed pharmacognostical parameters can be successfully used to distinguish between roots of S. costus and A. lappa.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.42 no.3
• /
• pp.93-119
• /
• 2004

Acanthamoeba and Naegleria are widely distributed in fresh water, soil and dust throughout the world, and cause meningoencephalitis or keratoconjunctivitis in humans and other mammals. Korean isolates, namely, Naegleria sp. YM-1 and Acanthamoeba sp. YM-2, YM-3, YM-4, YM-5, YM-6 and YM-7, were collected from sewage, water puddles, a storage reservoir, the gills of a fresh water fish, and by corneal washing. These isolates were categorized into three groups based on the mortalities of infected mice namely, highly virulent (YM-4), moderately virulent (YM-2, YM-5 and YM-7) and nonpathogenic (YM-3). In addition, a new species of Acanthamoeba was isolated from a freshwater fish in Korea and tentatively named Korean isolate YM-4. The morphologic characters of its cysts were similar to those of A. culbertsoni and A. royreba, which were previously designated as Acanthamoeba group III. Based on experimentally infected mouse mortality, Acanthamoeba YM-4 was highly virulent. The isoenzymes profile of Acanthamoeba YM-4 was similar to that of A. royreba. Moreover, an anti-Acanthamoeba YM-4 monoclonal anti-body reacted only with Acanthamoeba YM-4, and not with A. culbertsoni. Random amplified polymorphic DNA marker analysis and RFLP analysis of mitochondrial DNA and of a 188 small subunit ribosomal RNA, placed Acanthamoeba YM-4 in a separate cluster based on phylogenic distances. Thus Acanthamoeba YM-4 was identified as a new species, and assigned Acanthamoeba sohi. Up to the year 2002 in Korea, two clinical cases were found to be infected with Acanthamoeba spp. These patients died of meningoencephalitis. In addition, one case of Acanthamoeba pneumonia with an immunodeficient status was reported and Acanthamoeba was detected in several cases of chronic relapsing corneal ulcer, chronic conjunctivitis, and keratitis.