• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• 제34권1호
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• pp.75-80
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• 2007

The release of genetically modified organisms ($GMO_{s}$) into the environment has the potential risks regarding the possibility of gene transfer from $GMO_{s}$ to natural organisms and this needs to be evaluated. This study was conducted to monitor the possible horizontal gene transfer from herbicide-resistant zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.) to indigenous microorganisms. We have first examined the effect of field-released GM zoysiagrass on the microbial flora in the gut of locust (Locusts mlgratoria). The microbial flora was analyzed through determining the 165 rDHA sequences of microorganisms. The comparison of the microbial flora in the gut of locusts that were captured at the field of GM zoysiagrass and of wild-type revealed that there is no noticeable difference between these two groups. This result indicates that the GM zoysiagrass does not have negative impact on microbial flora in the gut of locust. We then investigated whether the horizontal gene transfer occurred from GM zoysiagrass to microbes in soil, rhizosphere and faecal pellets from locusts by utilizing molecular tools such as Southern hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). When the total DNAs isolated from microbes in GM zoysiagrass and in wild-type zoysiagrass fields were hybridized with probes for bar or hpt gene, no hybridization signal was detected from both field isolates, while the probes were hybridized with DNA from the positive control. Absence of these genes in the FNAs of soil microorganisms as well as microbes in the gut of locust was further confirmed by PCR. Taken together, our data showed that horizontal gene transfer did not occur in this system. These results further indicate that frequencies of transfer of engineered plant DNA to bacteria are likely to be negligible.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제10권4호
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• pp.452-460
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• 2019

Background: Monitoring and control of PM_2.5 are being recognized as key to address health issues attributed to PM_2.5. Availability of low-cost PM_2.5 sensors made it possible to introduce a number of portable PM_2.5 monitors based on light scattering to the consumer market at an affordable price. Accuracy of light scatteringe-based PM_2.5 monitors significantly depends on the method of calibration. Static calibration curve is used as the most popular calibration method for low-cost PM_2.5 sensors particularly because of ease of application. Drawback in this approach is, however, the lack of accuracy. Methods: This study discussed the calibration of a low-cost PM_2.5-monitoring device (PMD) to improve the accuracy and reliability for practical use. The proposed method is based on construction of the PM_2.5 sensor network using Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol and web query of reference measurement data available at government-authorized PM monitoring station (GAMS) in the republic of Korea. Four machine learning (ML) algorithms such as support vector machine, k-nearest neighbors, random forest, and extreme gradient boosting were used as regression models to calibrate the PMD measurements of PM_2.5. Performance of each ML algorithm was evaluated using stratified K-fold cross-validation, and a linear regression model was used as a reference. Results: Based on the performance of ML algorithms used, regression of the output of the PMD to PM_2.5 concentrations data available from the GAMS through web query was effective. The extreme gradient boosting algorithm showed the best performance with a mean coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.78 and standard error of 5.0 ㎍/㎥, corresponding to 8% increase in R² and 12% decrease in root mean square error in comparison with the linear regression model. Minimum 100 hours of calibration period was found required to calibrate the PMD to its full capacity. Calibration method proposed poses a limitation on the location of the PMD being in the vicinity of the GAMS. As the number of the PMD participating in the sensor network increases, however, calibrated PMDs can be used as reference devices to nearby PMDs that require calibration, forming a calibration chain through MQTT protocol. Conclusions: Calibration of a low-cost PMD, which is based on construction of PM_2.5 sensor network using MQTT protocol and web query of reference measurement data available at a GAMS, significantly improves the accuracy and reliability of a PMD, thereby making practical use of the low-cost PMD possible.

• 한국작물학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국작물학회 2017년도 9th Asian Crop Science Association conference
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• pp.3-3
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• 2017

The question of how to establish sustainable agricultural systems has become as prominent as questions related to water, energy and climate change. High input/high output agriculture has brought with it many adverse effects; the massive deterioration of soil and water in both quantity and quality, increased greenhouse gas emissions and an increased prevalence of unsafe foods. Additionally, urbanization and climate change has worsened the shortage of farmland and reduced the supply of agricultural water. Given these challenges, maintaining, conserving and efficiently using agri-environmental resources, through fostering of sustainable agriculture, have emerged as key tasks in solving these problems. What is needed therefore is research, based on systematic and comprehensive empirical analyses, that can propose plans and methods for establishing an appropriate sustainable agricultural system. The empirical analysis of sustainable agricultural system is approached separately from economic, environmental and social aspects. An analysis of environment effect reveals that the available phosphate level is 1.3~2.1 times greater than the optimal amount in rice paddies, upland fields and orchards. Further examination has revealed that the excess nutrient is polluting both ground water and surface water. Analytical results for economic feasibility show that factors of production have been invested heavily in the rice crop. Under these conditions, sustainable agriculture, including low-input agriculture, appears to be a possible alternative that will facilitate simultaneous improvements in both economic feasibility and environment effects. Analysis results for sociality reveal that social factors include the value of producer, association and interior networks. Social conditions are comprised of leadership, consumers' awareness, education and conflict solutions. In addition, analysis as to the degree investments contribute to improving agricultural value added has revealed that the direct payment program is the most effective instrument. Experts confirm that economic feasibility can be improved by scientific and well-reasoned nutrient management on the basis of soil testing. Farmers pointed to 'economic factors' as being the largest obstacle to switching to the practice of sustainable agriculture. They also indicate 'uncertainty with regards to sustainable agriculture technology' as an impediment to practicing sustainable agriculture. Even so, farmers who believe environmental and regional issues to be the most pressing problems have expanded their practice of sustainable agriculture. The keys to establishing sustainable agriculture system are classified into the following four aspects. Firstly, from an economic aspect, the research indicates that agricultural policy needs to be integrated with environmental policy and that the function of market making based on the value chain needs to be revitalized. Secondly, from an environmental aspect, there is a need for an optimal resource management system to be established in the agricultural sector. In addition, sustainable agriculture practice will need to be extended with attendant environmentally-friendly and sustainable intensive technology also requiring further development. Thirdly, from a social aspect, green agriculture management needs to be fostered, technology and education extended, and social conflict mediated. Lastly, from a governance aspect, it will be necessary to strengthen good governance, assign and share suitable roles and responsibilities, build a cooperation system and utilize community supported agriculture.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제31권10호
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• pp.1581-1590
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• 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to clone alternative splicing isoforms of pig myoneurin (MYNN), predict the structure and function of coding protein, and study temporal and spatial expression characteristics of each transcript. Methods: Alternative splice isoforms of MYNN were identified using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and cloning techniques. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to detect expression patterns in 11 tissues of Large White (LW) and Mashen (MS) pigs, and to study developmental expression patterns in cerebellum (CE), stomach (ST), and longissimus dorsi (LD). Results: The results showed that MYNN had two alternatively spliced isoforms, MYNN-1 (GenBank accession number: KY470829) and MYNN-2 (GenBank accession number: KY670835). MYNN-1 coding sequence (CDS) is composed of 1,830 bp encoding 609 AA, whereas MYNN-2 CDS is composed of 1,746 bp encoding 581 AA. MYNN-2 was 84 bp less than MYNN-1 and lacked the sixth exon. MYNN-2 was found to have one $C_2H_2$ type zinc finger protein domain less than MYNN-1. Two variants were ubiquitously expressed in all pig tissues, and there were significant differences in expression of different tissues (p<0.05; p<0.01). The expression of MYNN-1 was significantly higher than that of MYNN-2 in almost tissues (p<0.05; p<0.01), which testified that MYNN-1 is the main variant. The expression of two isoforms decreased gradually with increase of age in ST and CE of MS pig, whereas increased gradually in LW pig. In LD, the expression of two isoforms increased first and then decreased with increase of age in MS pig, and decreased gradually in LW pig. Conclusion: Two transcripts of pig MYNN were successfully cloned and MYNN-1 was main variant. MYNN was highly expressed in ST, CE, and LD, and their expression was regular. We speculated that MYNN plays important roles in digestion/absorption and skeletal muscle growth, whereas the specific mechanisms require further elucidation.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제33권11호
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• pp.1837-1847
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• 2020

Objective: To evaluate the pancreatic differentiation potential of α-1,3-galactosyltransferase knockout (GalTKO) pig-derived bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) using epigenetic modifiers with different pancreatic induction media. Methods: The BM-MSCs have been differentiated into pancreatic β-like cells by inducing the overexpression of key transcription regulatory factors or by exposure to specific soluble inducers/small molecules. In this study, we evaluated the pancreatic differentiation of GalTKO pig-derived BM-MSCs using epigenetic modifiers, 5-azacytidine (5-Aza) and valproic acid (VPA), and two types of pancreatic induction media - advanced Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (ADMEM)-based and N2B27-based media. GalTKO BM-MSCs were treated with pancreatic induction media and the expression of pancreas-islets-specific markers was evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Morphological changes and changes in the 5'-C-phosphate-G-3' (CpG) island methylation patterns were also evaluated. Results: The expression of the pluripotent marker (POU class 5 homeobox 1 [OCT4]) was upregulated upon exposure to 5-Aza and/or VPA. GalTKO BM-MSCs showed increased expression of neurogenic differentiation 1 in the ADMEM-based (5-Aza) media, while the expression of NK6 homeobox 1 was elevated in cells induced with the N2B27-based (5-Aza) media. Moreover, the morphological transition and formation of islets-like cellular clusters were also prominent in the cells induced with the N2B27-based media with 5-Aza. The higher insulin expression revealed the augmented trans-differentiation ability of GalTKO BM-MSCs into pancreatic β-like cells in the N2B27-based media than in the ADMEM-based media. Conclusion: 5-Aza treated GalTKO BM-MSCs showed an enhanced demethylation pattern in the second CpG island of the OCT4 promoter region compared to that in the GalTKO BM-MSCs. The exposure of GalTKO pig-derived BM-MSCs to the N2B27-based microenvironment can significantly enhance their trans-differentiation ability into pancreatic β-like cells.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.463-470
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• 2011

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) gene is expressed at the anterior pituitary gland and plays a key role in gonad development. This study aimed to investigate molecular genetic characteristics of the GnRHR gene and elucidate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of GnRHR gene on sex steroid level in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). We used polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and sequencing of the GnRHR gene in 75 individuals. We identified three SNPs in the GnRHR gene: P1 locus (C759A and C830T) in the coding region of exon2 which were both linked together and P2 locus (G984T) in the coding region of exon3, which added a new transcript factor (ADR1) and a new methylation site (CG). Only C830T of P1 leads to amino acid changes Thr266Ile. Statistical analysis showed that P1 was significantly associated with $17{\beta}$-estradiol ($E_2$) level (p<0.01) and gonadosomatic index (GSI) (p<0.05). Individuals with genotype BB of P1 had significantly higher serum $E_2$ levels (p<0.01) and GSI (p<0.05) than those of genotype AA or AB. Another SNP, P2, synonymous mutation, was significantly associated with GSI (p<0.05). Individuals with genotype AB of P2 had significantly higher GSI (p<0.05) than that of genotype AA. In addition, there was a significant association between one diplotype based on three SNPs and reproductive traits. The genetic effects for both serum $E_2$ level and GSI of diplotype D4 were super diplotypes (p<0.05). These results suggest that the SNPs in Japanese Flounder GnRHR are associated with $E_2$ level and GSI.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권9호
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• pp.5145-5151
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• 2013

Background: Numerous carcinogens and reactive oxygen species (ROS) may cause DNA damage including oxidative base lesions that lead to risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Genetic susceptibility has been reported to play a key role in the development of this disease. The base excision repair (BER) pathway can effectively remove oxidative lesions, maintaining genomic stability and normal expression, with X-ray repair crosscomplementing1 (XRCC1), 8-oxoguanine glycosylase-1 (OGG1) and apurinic/apyimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) playing important roles. Aims: To analyze polymorphisms of DNA BER genes (OOG1, XRCC1 and APE1) and explore their associations, and the combined effects of these variants, with risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Materials and Methods: We detected SNPs of XRCC1 (Arg399Gln), OGG1 (Ser326Cys), APE1 (Asp148Glu and -141T/G) using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with peripheral blood samples from 231 patients with NPC and 300 healthy people, furtherly analyzing their relations with the risk of NPC in multivariate logistic regression models. Results: After adjustment for sex and age, individuals with the XRCC1 399Gln/Gln (OR=1.96; 95%CI:1.02-3.78; p=0.04) and Arg/Gln (OR=1.87; 95%CI:1.29-2.71; p=0.001) genotype variants demonstrated a significantly increased risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma compared with those having the wild-type Arg/Arg genotype. APE1-141G/G was associated with a significantly reduced risk of NPC (OR=0.40;95%CI:0.18-0.89) in the smoking group. The OR calculated for the combination of XRCC1 399Gln and APE1 148Gln, two homozygous variants, was significantly additive for all cases (OR=2.09; 95% CI: 1.27-3.47; p=0.004). Conclusion: This is the first study to focus on the association between DNA base-excision repair genes (XRCC1, OGG1 and APE1) polymorphism and NPC risk. The XRCC1 Arg399Gln variant genotype is associated with an increased risk of NPC. APE1-141G/G may decrease risk of NPC in current smokers. The combined effects of polymorphisms within BER genes of XRCC1 399Gln and APE1 148Gln may contribute to a high risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

• 한국미생물·생명공학회지
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• 제26권1호
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• pp.45-49
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• 1998

Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC13032를 모균주로 한 아미노산 유사체들에 저항성을 지닌 돌연변이 균주들로부터 두 종류의 L-로이신 생산균주를 개발하였다. 그 중 하나인 C. glutamicum LT26은 4-azaleucine과 $\alpha$-amino-$eta$-hydroxyvaleric acid에 저항성을 지니는 균주이며, 다른 한 균주는 C. glutamicum LT3811-70로서 C. glutamicum LT26을 모균주로한 DL-4-tiaisoleucine 저항성 돌연변이 균주이다. 이들 두 돌연변이 균주들의 배양액내에서의 L-로이신의 축적은 이들이 비영양요구성 균주임에도 불구하고 모균주보다 획기적으로 높았으며 이를 해명하고자 L-이소로이신과 L-발린 그리고 L-로이신 생합성 과정의 주반응 효소인 $\alpha$-acetohydroxy acid synthase(AHAS)와 $\alpha$-isopropylmalate synthase(IPMS)의 분석을 수행하였다. C. glutamicum LT26과 LT3811-70에서 AHAS와 IPMS는 모두 L-로이신에 대해 효소활성저해와 효소합성저해가 거의 해제되었고, C. glutamicum LT3811-70 균주의 경우 모균주인 C. glutamicum LT26 균주보다 IPMS의 L-로이신에 대해 효소 합성저해가, AHAS는 L-이소로이신과 L-발린등에 대해 효소활성저해가 10% 이상 더 해제되었음을 알 수 있었다.

• 치위생과학회지
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• 제13권3호
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• pp.296-303
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• 2013

LOX는 결합조직의 세포외기질에 존재하여 교원섬유와 탄성섬유의 교차결합을 촉진시키는 핵심적인 효소이다. 뼈세포에서 세포분화 및 세포이동과 관련된 LOX의 역할은 보고되었으나, 상아모세포 분화에서 LOX에 대한 직접적인 효과는 거의 알려지지 않았다. 이 연구에서는 인간치수세포에서 상아모세의 분화과정 동안 LOX의 역할에 대해 실험하였다. 치수세포에 저 혈청 분화유도 배지를 처리하여 0, 1, 3, 7, 14일 동안 배양하였다. 세포성장은 세포계수, 분화와 관련된 유전자들은 RT-PCR, 광물화는 alrizarin red S 염색으로 각각 실험하였다. LOX 유전자 발현은 RT-PCR로 측정하였고, LOX 효소활성은 고감도 형광분석을 시행하였다. 1. 세포성장은 저 혈청 분화유도 배지에서 시간 의존적으로 증가하였다. 2. 분화표지자인 ALP, OPN, OCN, DMP1, DSPP는 시간 의존적으로 발현되었으나 초기, 중기, 말기에 대한 차별화는 이루어지지 않았다. 3. 광물화는 3일부터 관찰되기 시작하여 14일까지 증가되었다. 4. LOX와 LOXL은 mRNA 발현이 7일까지 증가되었고, 14일에서 큰 감소를 보였다. 하지만, LOXL3와 LOXL4 mRNA는 낮은 발현을 보였고, LOXL2 mRNA는 발현되지않았다. 5. Collagen type I mRNA는 7일까지 증가하다가 14일에서 의미있게 감소를 보였고, collagen type IV는 낮은 mRNA 발현을 보였다. 6. LOX 효소 활성은 분화유도기간 중 7일에서 가장 많은 발현을 보였고, 교원질 1형 기질이 교원질 IV형 기질보다 두드러진 발현을 보였다. 이상의 결과를 종합해 볼 때, LOX isoform의 발현과 LOX 효소 활성은 인간치수세포에서 상아모세포 분화과정 동안 중요한 조절자로 사료된다.

• 청정기술
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.285-299
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• 2011

2007년 6월 시행된 유럽 신(新)화학물질관리제도(REACH, Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of CHemicals)에서 물질 제조자가 공급망 상 제공해야 하는 법적 의무 사항인 확장된물질안전보건자료(eSDS, extended Safety Data Sheet)에 대하여, 본 총설에서는 eSDS의 개념 파악과 함께 노출시나리오(ES, Exposure Scenario) 작성 방법에 대한 유럽의 개발 동향을 기반으로 노출시나리오의 구성요소 및 각 구성요소별 주요 입력정보 그리고 단계별 노출시나리오 작성 방법을 알아보았다. 노출시나리오 작성에 필요한 정보로는 용도기술어 시스템(UDS, Use Descriptor System), 작업조건(OC, Operational Condition) 및 위해성관리대책(RMM, Risk Management Measure)이 조사되어 이에 대해 구체적인 이해를 도모하였다. 근로자, 환경, 소비자를 평가 대상으로 하는 기존의 주요 노출 평가 툴의 특징을 살펴보고, REACH 하의 노출시나리오 생성을 실행하기 위해 유럽화학물질청(ECHA, European Chemicals Agency)에서 최종 개발하여 발표한 노출 평가 툴인 Chesar (Chemical Safety Assessment and Report tool)의 구성을 알아보았다. EU 집행위에서 개발한 유기용매 분야의 일반 노출시나리오 (GES, Generic Exposure Scenario) 사례를 소개하였고, 3단계로 구분할 수 있는 노출시나리오 작성 과정 중에서 국내 수출 중소기업에서 담당할 부분 및 활용 방안을 제시하였다.