• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.32 no.11
• /
• pp.1664-1672
• /
• 2019

Objective: This study aimed to measure genetic diversity and to determine the relationships among fourteen goose breeds. Methods: Microsatellite markers were isolated from the genomic DNA of geese based on previous literature. The DNA segments, including short tandem repeats, were tested for their diversity among fourteen populations of geese. The diversity was tested on both breeds and loci level and by mean of unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean and structure program, phylogenetic tree and population structure were tested. Results: A total of 108 distinct alleles (1%) were observed across the fourteen breeds, with 36 out of the 108 alleles (33.2%) being unique to only one breed. Genetic parameters were measured per the 14 breeds and the 9 loci. Medium to high heterozygosity was reported with high effective numbers of alleles (Ne). Polymorphic information contents (PIC) of the screened loci was found to be highly polymorphic for eleven breeds; while 3 breeds were reported moderately polymorphic. Breeding coefficient ($F_{IS}$) ranged from -0.033 to 0.358, and the pair wise genetic differentiation ($F_{ST}$) ranged from 0.01 to 0.36 across the fourteen breeds; for the 9 loci observed and expected heterozygosity, and Ne were same as the breeds parameters, PIC of the screened loci reported 6 loci highly polymorphic and 3 loci to be medium polymorphic, and $F_{IS}$ ranged from -0.113 to 0.368. In addition, genetic distance estimate revealed a close genetic distance between Canada goose and Hortobagy goose breeds by 0.04, and the highest distance was between Taihu goose and Graylag goose (anser anser) breed by 0.54. Conclusion: Cluster analyses were made, and they revealed that goose breeds had hybridized frequently, resulting in a loss of genetic distinctiveness for some breeds.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.45 no.10
• /
• pp.695-701
• /
• 2022

Homeostatic regulation of meristematic stem cells accomplished by maintaining a balance between stem cell self-renewal and differentiation is critical for proper plant growth and development. The quiescent center (QC) regulates root apical meristem homeostasis by maintaining stem cell fate during plant root development. Cell cycle checkpoints, such as anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome/cell cycle switch 52 A2 (APC/C^CCS52A2), strictly control the low proliferation rate of QC cells. Although APC/C^CCS52A2 plays a critical role in maintaining QC cell division, the molecular mechanism that regulates its activity remains largely unknown. Here, we identified SCF^FBS1, a ubiquitin E3 ligase, as a key regulator of QC cell division through the direct proteolysis of CCS52A2. FBS1 activity is positively associated with QC cell division and CCS52A2 proteolysis. FBS1 overexpression or ccs52a2-1 knockout consistently resulted in abnormal root development, characterized by root growth inhibition and low mitotic activity in the meristematic zone. Loss-of-function mutation of FBS1, on the other hand, resulted in low QC cell division, extremely low WOX5 expression, and rapid root growth. The 26S proteasome-mediated degradation of CCS52A2 was facilitated by its direct interaction with FBS1. The FBS1 genetically interacted with APC/C^CCS52A2-ERF115-PSKR1 signaling module for QC division. Thus, our findings establish SCF^FBS1-mediated CCS52A2 proteolysis as the molecular mechanism for controlling QC cell division in plants.

• Herbal Formula Science
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.269-280
• /
• 2022

Objectives : In this study, it was investigated the effects of solid-phase fermentation extraction with Phellinus linteus of discarded Schisandra chinensis extract (PS) and its action mechanism on dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy in mice. Methods : In mice, muscle atrophy model was induced by dexamethasone (5 mg/kg, I.p) once daily for 2 weeks and with PS extract administration (100 and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) as treatment groups. The changes in body weights, grip strength, Treadmill test, muscle weights, and the expression of atrophy-related genes were measured in muscle atrophy mice. The histological changes of gastrocnemius tissues were also observed by H&E staining with measurement of myofiber size. Results : The administration of PS extract increased significantly body weights, grip strength, treadmill test and muscle weights in muscle atrophy mice. PS extract administration increased significantly the area of myofibers and inhibited structural damages of muscle and increased significantly the expression of myogenin and decreased significantly the expression of MuRF1, Atrogin1 and phosphorylation of AMPK and PGC1α in muscle tissues of muscle atrophy mice. Conclusions : These results indicate that PS extract has a improvement effects on muscle atrophy with stimulation of myogenic differentiation and inhibition of mRNA degradation that could be related with the activation of AMPK and PGC1α signaling pathways in muscle. This suggests that PS extract can apply to treat muscle atrophy in clinics.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
• /
• v.52 no.2
• /
• pp.155-169
• /
• 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of insulin growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) on the inhibition of glucose oxidative stress and promotion of bone formation near the implant site in a rat model of methylglyoxal (MGO)-induced bone loss. Methods: An in vitro study was performed in MC3T3 E1 cells treated with chitosan gold nanoparticles (Ch-GNPs) conjugated with IGFBP-3 cDNA followed by MGO. An in vivo study was conducted in a rat model induced by MGO administration after the insertion of a dental implant coated with IGFBP-3. Results: MGO treatment downregulated molecules involved in osteogenic differentiation and bone formation in MC3T3 E1 cells and influenced the bone mineral density and bone volume of the femur and alveolar bone. In contrast, IGFBP-3 inhibited oxidative stress and inflammation and enhanced osteogenesis in MGO-treated MC3T3 E1 cells. In addition, IGFBP-3 promoted bone formation by reducing inflammatory proteins in MGO-administered rats. The application of Ch-GNPs conjugated with IGFBP-3 as a coating of titanium implants enhanced osteogenesis and the osseointegration of dental implants. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that IGFBP-3 could be applied as a therapeutic component in dental implants to promote the osseointegration of dental implants in patients with diabetes, which affects MGO levels.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.31 no.3
• /
• pp.264-275
• /
• 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremors, bradykinesia, and rigidity. PD is caused by loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the midbrain substantia nigra (SN) and therefore, replenishment of DA neurons via stem cell-based therapy is a potential treatment option. Astrocytes are the most abundant non-neuronal cells in the central nervous system and are promising candidates for reprogramming into neuronal cells because they share a common origin with neurons. The ability of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) to proliferate and differentiate may overcome the limitations of the reduced viability and function of transplanted cells after cell replacement therapy. Achaete-scute complex homolog-like 1 (Ascl1) is a well-known neuronal-specific factor that induces various cell types such as human and mouse astrocytes and fibroblasts to differentiate into neurons. Nurr1 is involved in the differentiation and maintenance of DA neurons, and decreased Nurr1 expression is known to be a major risk factor for PD. Previous studies have shown that direct conversion of astrocytes into DA neurons and NPCs can be induced by overexpression of Ascl1 and Nurr1 and additional transcription factors genes such as superoxide dismutase 1 and SRY-box 2. Here, we demonstrate that astrocytes isolated from the ventral midbrain, the origin of SN DA neurons, can be effectively converted into DA neurons and NPCs with enhanced viability. In addition, when these NPCs are inducted to differentiate, they exhibit key characteristics of DA neurons. Thus, direct conversion of midbrain astrocytes is a possible cell therapy strategy to treat neurodegenerative diseases.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.31 no.1
• /
• pp.116-126
• /
• 2023

Mainly due to the slanted focus on the mechanism and regulation of neuronal aging, research on astrocyte aging and its modulation during brain aging is scarce. In this study, we established aged astrocyte culture model by long-term culturing. Cellular senescence was confirmed through SA-β-gal staining as well as through the examination of morphological, molecular, and functional markers. RNA sequencing and functional analysis of astrocytes were performed to further investigate the detailed characteristics of the aged astrocyte model. Along with aged phenotypes, decreased astrocytic proliferation, migration, mitochondrial energetic function and support for neuronal survival and differentiation has been observed in aged astrocytes. In addition, increased expression of cytokines and chemokine-related factors including plasminogen activator inhibitor -1 (PAI-1) was observed in aged astrocytes. Using the RNA sequencing results, we searched potential drugs that can normalize the dysregulated gene expression pattern observed in long-term cultured aged astrocytes. Among several candidates, minoxidil, a pyrimidine-derived anti-hypertensive and anti-pattern hair loss drug, normalized the increased number of SA-β-gal positive cells and nuclear size in aged astrocytes. In addition, minoxidil restored up-regulated activity of PAI-1 and increased mitochondrial superoxide production in aged astrocytes. We concluded that long term culture of astrocytes can be used as a reliable model for the study of astrocyte senescence and minoxidil can be a plausible candidate for the regulation of brain aging.

• Phonetics and Speech Sciences
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.19-24
• /
• 2023

This study investigated acoustic (VOT) and articulatory characteristics of Korean velar stops in monosyllabic CV structures to examine how the three-way distinction is realized in the laryngeal and supralaryngeal domains and how the distinction is manifested in male versus female speakers' speech production. EMA data were collected from 22 speakers. In line with previous studies, male speakers preserved the three-way differentiation of velar stops (/k^*/</k/</k^h/) in terms of VOT while female speakers showed only a two-way distinction (/k^*/</k/=/k^h/). As for the kinematic characteristics, a clear three-way distinction was found only in male speakers' peak velocity measure in the C-to-V opening movement (/k^h/</k/</k^*/). For the other kinematic measures (i.e., articulatory closure duration, deceleration duration of the opening movement and the entire opening movement duration), male speakers showed only a two-way distinction between fortis and the other two stops. Female speakers did not show a three-way contrast in any kinematic measure. They showed a two-way distinction between lenis and the other two stops in C-to-V deceleration duration (/k^*/=/k^h/</k/), and a two-way distinction between fortis and lenis stops in the opening movement duration. An overall comparison of VOT and articulatory analyses revealed that the lenis-aspirated kinematic distinction is diminishing, driven by female speakers, in line with the loss of the lenis-aspirated distinction in VOT that could influence supralaryngeal articulation.

• Animal Bioscience
• /
• v.36 no.9
• /
• pp.1435-1444
• /
• 2023

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate Raman spectroscopy technique as a noninvasive tool to predict meat quality traits on Braford longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle. Methods: Thirty samples of muscle from Braford steers were analyzed by classical meat quality techniques and by Raman spectroscopy with 785 nm laser excitation. Water holding capacity (WHC), intramuscular fat content (IMF), cooking loss (CL), and texture profile analysis recording hardness, cohesiveness, and chewiness were determined, along with fiber diameter and sarcomere length by scanning electron microscopy. Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) analysis was used to differentiate tender and tough meat groups. Results: Higher values of cohesiveness and CL, together with lower values of WHC, IMF, and shorter sarcomere were obtained for tender meat samples than for the tougher ones. Raman spectra analysis allows tender and tough sample differentiation. The correlation between the quality attributes predicted by Raman and the physical measurements resulted in values of R² = 0.69 for hardness and 0,58 for WBSF. Pearson's correlation coefficient of hardness (r = 0.84) and WBSF (r = 0.79) parameters with the phenylalanine Raman signal at 1,003 cm^-1, suggests that the content of this amino acid could explain the differences between samples. Conclusion: Raman spectroscopy with 785 nm laser excitation is a suitable and accurate technique to identify beef with different quality attributes.

• Korean Journal of Social Welfare Studies
• /
• v.42 no.3
• /
• pp.121-155
• /
• 2011

The purpose of this study as a research of experience of sexual offenders who are in confinement in prisons and forensic facilities is to theoretically investigate fundamental structures of their experiences and to practically construct basic data to present intervention programs of sexual offenders. This study was conducted by hermeneutical and phenomenological methods invoked of the analytic framework of Van-Manen (1990) about seven sexual offenders. The data were collected through in-depth interviews, and the results of the interpretation are shown as perception that they were victims of public opinion, the mark of Cain, loss of opportunity of examination caused by show window, collective differentiation through distinction, expression of metaphysical being that wants to slip out of the skin, counterplot of scientific management techniques, undifferentiation from the Imaginary, sexual acts shown as inverted communication, discovering dominant domain as forming reaction to being controlled, not being free from capitalistic attributes in which even children's sex is commercialized, distortion in socialization of sexual identity, paternity stamped as embodiment of suppressed desire, recovery of lost virginity of mother through children, and family as a name broken to pieces.

• Animal Bioscience
• /
• v.36 no.12
• /
• pp.1905-1917
• /
• 2023

Objective: Nanog homeobox (NANOG) is a core transcription factor that contributes to pluripotency along with octamer binding transcription factor-4 (OCT4) and sex determining region-Y box-2 (SOX2). It is an epiblast lineage marker in mammalian pre-implantation embryos and exhibits a species-specific expression pattern. Therefore, it is important to understand the lineage of NANOG, the trophectoderm, and the primitive endoderm in the pig embryo. Methods: A loss- and gain-of-function analysis was done to determine the role of NANOG in lineage specification in parthenogenetic porcine blastocysts. We analyzed the relationship between NANOG and pluripotent core transcription factors and other lineage makers. Results: In NANOG-null late blastocysts, OCT4-, SOX2-, and SOX17-positive cells were decreased, whereas GATA binding protein 6 (GATA6)-positive cells were increased. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that the expression of SOX2 was decreased in NANOG-null blastocysts, whereas that of primitive endoderm makers, except SOX17, was increased. In NANOG-overexpressing blastocysts, caudal type homeobox 2 (CDX2-), SOX17-, and GATA6-positive cells were decreased. The results indicated that the expression of primitive endoderm markers and trophectoderm-related genes was decreased. Conclusion: Taken together, the results demonstrate that NANOG is involved in the epiblast and primitive endoderm differentiation and is essential for maintaining pluripotency within the epiblast.