• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.11
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• pp.1351-1359
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• 2013

The anti-proliferative activity of ${\beta}$-ionone was investigated on human non-small lung cancer A-549 cells (designated A-549 cells). A-549 cells were treated with various concentrations of ${\beta}$-ionone (1, 5, 10, and 15 ${\mu}M$) for two, four, and six days. Biochemical markers related to the growth inhibition of A-549 cells by ${\beta}$-ionone were measured at the second day of incubation. ${\beta}$-Ionone inhibited the growth of A-549 cells by dose-and time-dependent manners, resulting in an $IC_{50}$ of 5.0 ${\mu}g/ml$ at the second day of incubation. ${\beta}$-Ionone induced apoptosis by a dose-dependent manner. ${\beta}$-Ionone increased levels of p53, p21, and Bax proteins, but suppressed expression of the Bcl-2 protein. Similarly, ${\beta}$-ionone enhanced cytochrome c release from the mitochondria to the cytosol, and induced activation of caspase-9 and -3. Additionally, ${\beta}$-ion-one reduced $cPLA_2$ and COX-2 protein levels. These results suggest that the ${\beta}$-ionone inhibits the proliferation of A-549 cells through reciprocal regulation of Bax and Bcl-2 gene expression and suppression of $cPLA_2$ and COX-2 protein expressions.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.519-542
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• 2019

Twenty soybean cultivars developed recently were assessed using 27 insertion and deletion (InDel) markers derived from dense variation blocks (dVBs) of soybean genome. The objective of this study is to identify the distinctness and genetic relationships among a total of 169 soybean accessions including new cultivars. The genetic homology between 149 accessions in the soybean barcode system and 20 new cultivars was 61.3% on average with the range from 25.9% to 96.3%, demonstrating the versatile application of these markers for cultivars identification. The phylogenic analysis revealed four subgroups related to their usage. The 80% of cultivars for vegetable and early maturity and the 65.9% of cultivars for bean sprouts were clustered in subgroup I-2 and II-2, respectively, indicating of the limited gene pools of their crossing parents in breeding. On the other hands, the cultivars for soy sauce and tofu with considerable gene flow by genome reshuffling were distributed evenly to several subgroups, I-1 (44.4%), I-2 (26.4%) and II-2 (23.6%). We believe that the 27 InDel markers specific to dVBs can be used not only for cultivar identification and genetic diversity, but also in breeding purposes such as introduction of genetic resources and selection of breeding lines with target traits.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.29-35
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• 2022

This study was conducted to analyze the genetic polymorphisms of dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) in horse breeds and its association with substrate characteristics in Jeju crossbreds (Jeju Horse × Thoroughbred). Polymorphisms in DRD4 are candidate genes associated with temperament in various mammals, including humans. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) G292A in the exon 3 region of the horse DRD4 has a reported association with curiosity and vigilance in thoroughbreds. Sanger sequencing was used to identify polymorphisms of the mutations in DRD4 in three horse breeds. The SNP frequency in Jeju horses was significantly different from the frequency in other breeds. Character evaluation, conducted in the Jeju crossbreds and scored using a temperament test and contact test, revealed a high correlation between each test. Comparison of the polymorphism in the DRD4 of horses and the results of the character evaluation revealed lower scores for all temperaments in horses carrying allele A. Comparison of the SNP of G292A and blood dopamine levels in Jeju crossbreds showed 2.87 times higher levels for the GA type than for the GG type. This study identified an association between DRD4 polymorphism and various test methods for evaluating horse temperament and levels of neurotransmitters. Further research could validate the use of this gene as a genetic marker for character evaluation.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.292-302
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• 2012

This paper reviews comparison analysis of current and latest application for stock identification methods of Todarodes pacificus, and the pros and cons of each method and consideration of how to compensate for each other. Todarodes pacificus which migrates wide areas in western North Pacific is important fishery resource ecologically and commercially. Todarodes pacificus is also considered as 'biological indicator' of ocean environmental changes. And changes in its short and long term catch and distribution area occur along with environmental changes. For example, while the catch of pollack, a cold water fish, has dramatically decreased until today after the climate regime shift in 1987/1988, the catch of Todarodes pacificus has been dramatically increased. Regarding the decrease in pollack catch, overfishing and climate changes were considered as the main causes, but there has been no definite reason until today. One of the reasons why there is no definite answer is related with no proper analysis about ecological and environmental aspects based on stock identification. Subpopulation is a group sharing the same gene pool through sexual reproduction process within limited boundaries having similar ecological characteristics. Each individual with same stock might be affected by different environment in temporal and spatial during the process of spawning, recruitment and then reproduction. Thereby, accurate stock analysis about the species can play an efficient alternative to comply with effective resource management and rapid changes. Four main stock analysis were applied to Todarodes pacificus: Morphologic Method, Ecological Method, Tagging Method, Genetic Method. Ecological method is studies for analysis of differences in spawning grounds by analysing the individual ecological change, distribution, migration status, parasitic state of parasite, kinds of parasite and parasite infection rate etc. Currently the method has been studying lively can identify the group in the similar environment. However It is difficult to know to identify the same genetic group in each other. Tagging Method is direct method. It can analyse cohort's migration, distribution and location of spawning, but it is very difficult to recapture tagged squids and hard to tag juveniles. Genetic method, which is for useful fishery resource stock analysis has provided the basic information regarding resource management study. Genetic method for stock analysis is determined according to markers' sensitivity and need to select high multiform of genetic markers. For stock identification, isozyme multiform has been used for genetic markers. Recently there is increase in use of makers with high range variability among DNA sequencing like mitochondria, microsatellite. Even the current morphologic method, tagging method and ecological method played important rolls through finding Todarodes pacificus' life cycle, migration route and changes in spawning grounds, it is still difficult to analyze the stock of Todarodes pacificus as those are distributed in difference seas. Lately, by taking advantages of each stock analysis method, more complicated method is being applied. If based on such analysis and genetic method for improvement are played, there will be much advance in management system for the resource fluctuation of Todarodes pacificus.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.313-319
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• 2020

Recently, cattle epidemic diseases are caused by a pathogen such as a virus or bacterium. Such diseases can spread through various pathways, such as feed intake, respiration, and contact between livestock. Diagnosis based on the ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) methods has limitations because these traditional diagnostic methods are time consuming assays that require multiple steps and dedicated equipment. In this review, we propose the use of the CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) Cas system based on DNA and RNA levels for early point-of-care diagnosis in cattle. In the CRISPR/Cas system, Cas effectors are classified into two classes and six subtypes. The Cas effectors included in class 2 are typically Cas9 in type II, Cas12 in type V (Cas12a and Cas12b) and Cas13 in type VI (Cas13a and Cas13b). The CRISPR/Cas system uses reporter molecules that are attached to the ssDNA strands. When the Cas enzyme cuts the ssDNA, these reporters either fluoresce or change color, indicating the presence of a specific disease marker. There are several steps in the development of a CRISPR/Cas system. The first is to select the Cas enzyme depending on DNA or RNA from pathogens (viruses or bacteria). Based on that, the next step is to integrate the optimal amplification, transducing method, and signal reporter. The CRISPR/Cas system is a powerful diagnostic tool using a gene-editing method, which is faster, better, and cheaper than traditional methods. This system could be used for early diagnosis of epidemic cattle diseases and help to control their spread.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.314-319
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• 2018

We analyzed QTLs for alkali-related digestion by using 120 population crossed Cheongcheong and Nagdong derived from anther culture (CNDH). The DNA markers located in the QTLs gene were selected and applied to existing cultivars. As a result of the investigation of the alkali decay degree, brown rice of Cheongcheong and Nagdong was 1.9 and 1.6, respectively, and the CNDH was $3.79{\pm}2.01$, and the distribution of variance was distributed to 7.0-1.0. The milled rice of Cheongcheong and Nagdong was 5.6 and 4.1, respectively. The mean of the CNDH was $4.86{\pm}1.55$, and the distribution of variance was distributed to 7.0-2.0. Variation distribution curves showed continuous variation that was close to non-normal distribution. In the QTLs analysis, qBRA2, qBRA6, and qBRA11 were mapped in 1-2 replications of brown rice. QHRA2-1, qHRA2-2, qHRA2-3, qHRA3, and qHRA8 were mapped in the first replication. QHRA2-1, qHRA2-2, qHRA2-3 and qHRA3 were mapped in the second replicates. And mapped to qHRA5 in 4 replicates. These were found on chromosome 2, 3, 6, 8 and 11, respectively. The phenotypic variations of qBRA2, qBRA6, and qBRA11 on the chromosomes of brown and milled rice were 1-9%. The polymorphism was analyzed for 12 types of the japonica type and six types of the indica type, based on the nine markers found in the QTLs analysis of alkali digestion. Chromosome 11, RM27258, was selected to determine the segregation ratio, which shows the difference in size by the band pattern. The results of this study will be used as basic data for the development of high-quality rice cultivars.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.8
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• pp.1023-1030
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• 2008

NtMEK2, which is the tobacco MAPK kinase that is upstream of SIPK and WIPK, was identified using the dexamethasone (DEX)-inducible gain-of-function transgenic system. Expression of $NtNEK2^{DD}$, a constitutively active mutant of NtNEK2, leads to HR-like cell death, which indicates that the NtMEK2-SIPK/WIPK cascade controls defense responses in tobacco. However, little is known about the downstream target substrates or defense-related genes that are regulated by the NtMEK2-SIPK/ WIPK cascade. In this study, ACP-based differential display RT-PCR was used to isolate the downstream effectors mediated by the NtMEK2-SIPK/WIPK cascade in $NtNEK2^{DD}$ transgenic plants. The results identified 6 novel differentially expressed genes (DEGs). These included pathogen induced protein 2-4 (pI2-4), monoterpene synthase 2 (MTS2), seven in absentia protein (SINA), cell death marker protein 1 (CDM1), hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein (HRGP) and unknown genes (DEG45). The induction of these genes was confirmed by RT-PCR of samples obtained from $NtNEK2^{DD}$ plants. Additionally, when compared with other isolated DEGs, the pI2-4, CDM1 and HRGP genes were significantly up-regulated in response to treatment with salicylic acid and tobacco mosaic virus. Taken together, these results suggest that three novel DEGs were regulated by the NtMEK2-SIPK/WIPK cascade involved in disease resistance in tobacco.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.200-209
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• 2012

The effect of water temperature, salinity and water column nutrient contents on pigment composition and concentration of purple lavers were studied at the main purple lavers production areas in Southwestern coast of Korea, during January to March, 2011. Water temperature was between 3.0 and $11.3^{\circ}C$. Salinity range was between 32.7 and 34.7, those were lower St. 1 and St. 6, which were at close to the seashore. Water column dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) and silicate concentrations were $1.73{\sim}12.84{\mu}M$, $0.07{\sim}0.67{\mu}M$ and $4.93{\sim}18.29{\mu}M$, respectively. Chl a concentration was between 0.41 and $9.14{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$, and it was the highest at St. 1 during January. Photosynthetic pigment of fucoxanthin was dominant at all sites, which showed its highest concentration ($0.06{\sim}3.41{\mu}g\;L^{-1}$) at St. 1 on January. Water column DIN concentration was higher at January during low salinity period at all sites, but it was low at St. 1. Photosynthetic pigment of Chl a, PE and PC concentration of porphyra blades was between $1,173{\sim}8,124{\mu}g\;DW\;g^{-1}$, $3,281{\sim}10,076{\mu}g\;DW\;g^{-1}$, $388{\sim}1,346{\mu}g\;DW\;g^{-1}$, respectively. The concentration was relatively high at the St. 2 and St. 3. The pigment concentration of porphyra blades was higher at only Porphyra yezoensis was cultured than at Porphyra yezoensis and Porphyra seriata were cultured. The pigment concentration of porphyra blades was higher at St. 2 and St. 3 in only Porphyra yezoensis was cultured. This study shows that pigment concentration of porphyra blades may depend on habitat environment and culture methods.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.154-161
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• 1998

To investigate whether the introduced genetic marker is useful to detect the survivalship and activity of the natural bacteria under the stressed conditions, one Gram-negative isolate, KP964 was transformed to the luminous phenotype by transferring luxAB gene. Under the starvation-stress this luminous bacterial culturability (determined by colony-forming-units [CFU] on agar plate) decreased rapidly below the detection limit by 37 days, while its total cell number (determined by AODC) remained almost the same as its initial inocular size. At that time period, the viable cell number was estimated to be 1400 times higher than its CFU number. The bioiuminescence (determined by relative light units [RLU]) produced under the same condition was also monitored and found to decrease more rapidly than the culturability by 5-fold. Under the other stresses, e.g., osmotic shocks, acid shock, and exposure to toxic chemicals, this bacterial strain did not show the reliable correlation between CFU and RLU. These results might not suggest the direct estimation of bioiuminescence from the stressed bacteria be an index of both the survivalship and its activity. However, when the stressed bacterial cells were incubated under the favorable condition by relieving from the existing stress, the potential bioiuminescence (the lag periods before the increase of bioiuminescence, the increase rates of bioiuminescence, and the maximal levels of bioiuminescence) was shown to be highly dependent upon the strengths of the stresses exposed to the bacterial cells. Therefore, analysis of the potential bioiuminescence from the stressed bacteria revealed good relationships with survival as well as activity.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.150-160
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• 1999

Background: The CREST syndrome is an indolent form of progressive systemic sclerosis. Although its clinical progress is indolent, pulmonary hypertension(PH) associated with CREST syndrome have grave prognosis with over 40 percent mortality rate at 2 year follow-up. But the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension in this disease is not known, and classified as either primary or secondary PH. Clonality of endothelial cell proliferation in plexiform lesion is a molecular marker which allows distinction between primary and secondary PH. We performed this study to know whether the PH associated with CREST syndrome is a variant of primary PH or is a secondary PH. Methods: We assessed the X-chromosome inactivation based on the methylation pattern of the human androgen-receptor gene by PCR(HUMARA). Endothelial cells in plexiform lesions from female patients(n=3) with PH associated with CREST syndrome were microdissected from paraffin blocks. Vascular smooth muscle cells and lung parenchyma were also microdissected for clonality studies. Results: The proliferating endothelial cells in 14 plexiform lesions were all polyclonal. Similarly proliferated smooth muscle cells from 5 vessels with medial hypertrophy were also polyclonal. Conclusion: These results suggest that the pulmonary hypertension associated with CREST syndrome has different pathogenesis from primary PH and to be classified as secondary PH.