• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.41-48
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• 2022

Ulva compressa Linnaeus (UCL) is a green algae seaweed that performs photosynthesis and is used as a food material in some Asian regions including Korea. It is known to be the dominant species in copper ion-contaminated seas, and many studies on copper ion resistant mechanisms have been reported. UCL is known to have an excellent antioxidant effect, but limited information is available regarding its other physiological activities. In this study, we investigated the anticancer activity of 30% prethanol extracts of Ulva compressa Linnaeus (30% PeUCL) and the underlying mechanisms of its activity on human FaDu hypopharyngeal squamous carcinoma cells. The 30% PeUCL extracts suppressed FaDu cell viability without affecting normal cells (L929), as determined by MTT and viability assays. Furthermore, the 30% PeUCL extracts induced apoptosis, as determined by DAPI staining. The 30% PeUCL extracts inhibited colony formation effectively as well as wound-healing of FaDu cells, even at noncytotoxic concentrations. In addition, 30% PeUCL extracts induced apoptosis significantly through proteolytic cleavage of caspase-3, -7, and -9, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, and by downregulation of Bcl-2 and upregulation of Bax in FaDu cells, as determined by Western blot analysis. Collectively, these results suggest that the inhibitory effect of 30% PeUCL extracts on the growth of oral cancer cells, colony formation and wound-healing may be mediated by caspase- and mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathways in human FaDu hypopharyngeal squamous carcinoma cells. Therefore, 30% PeUCL extracts can be administered as a natural chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of human oral cancers.

• Journal of Marine Life Science
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.47-52
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• 2024

Light is a major external environmental factor that influences the circadian rhythm of photosynthetic organisms and various physiological phenomena, such as growth, maturation, and behavior. The number of light-reaching organisms changes depending on the season and atmospheric conditions, and the intensity and wavelength of light differ depending on the organisms inhabiting the environment. Altered light changes the circadian rhythm of fish, which is controlled by clock genes, such as period 2 (Per2), cryptochrome 1 (Cry1), and melatonin. In this study, we set the zeitgeber time (ZT; 14 light-10 dark, LD) based on the actual sunrise and sunset times and examined Per2 and Cry1 activities, levels of aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), and melatonin in Pholis nebulosa, a drifting seaweed species exposed to irregular light. Per2 and Cry1 levels increased during the daytime and decreased after sunset. The AANAT levels decreased during the daytime and increased during the night. Melatonin concentration was highest around midnight (ZT21, 23:30), but exhibited similar concentrations during the daytime. While the activity of Per2, Cry1, and AANAT levels exhibited a typical circadian rhythm observed in most vertebrates, melatonin concentrations did not show a significant difference between the daytime and nighttime. These findings provide insights into the circadian rhythm patterns of organisms exposed to irregular light environments, such as P. nebulosa, which differ from those of typical fish species.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.433-438
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• 2023

This study investigated the growth and metabolic characteristics of Arthrospira platensis (A. platensis) according to pH, which has an alkaline optimal pH. The intake of inorganic carbon was expected to be the highest at the optimum pH 9, but it was different from the expectation, so the cause of the excessive intake of inorganic carbon at pH 7 was investigated. We tried to verify the triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis metabolic mechanism because it was assumedthat the inorganic carbon intake of A. platensis according to pH is closely related to lipid production inside the cell. To verify this, the effects of pH on inorganic carbon intake were examined through lipid analysis inthe cell of A. platensis according to pH. As a result, in the case of the effect of inorganic carbon intake of A. platensis according to pH on TAG content, pH 9 and pH 11 showed no significant difference in TAG content, but at pH 7, it was two times higher compared to pH 9 and pH 11. It was assumed that the reason why A. platensis excessively consumed inorganic carbon at pH 7 was because itincreased the TAG content in proportion to the intake of inorganic carbon to protect cells from external pH stress. In addition, it is considered that the TAG content produced in proportion to the intake of inorganic carbon is because acetyl-CoA produced in the Calvin cycle is required for the synthesis of TAG.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.812-827
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• 2024

Phloroglucinol (PG) is one of the abundant isomeric benzenetriols in brown algae. Due to its polyphenolic structure, PG exhibits various biological activities. However, the impact of PG on anagen signaling and oxidative stress in human dermal papilla cells (HDPCs) is unknown. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of PG for improving hair loss. A non-cytotoxic concentration of PG increased anagen-inductive genes and transcriptional activities of β-Catenin. Since several anagen-inductive genes are regulated by β-Catenin, further experiments were performed to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which PG upregulates anagen signaling. Various biochemical analyses revealed that PG upregulated β-Catenin signaling without affecting the expression of Wnt. In particular, PG elevated the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT), leading to an increase in the inhibitory phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) at serine 9. Treatment with the selective phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT inhibitor, LY294002, restored the increased AKT/GSK3β/β-Catenin signaling and anagen-inductive proteins induced by PG. Moreover, conditioned medium from PG-treated HDPCs promoted the proliferation and migration of human epidermal keratinocytes via the AKT signaling pathway. Subsequently, we assessed the antioxidant activities of PG. PG ameliorated the elevated oxidative stress markers and improved the decreased anagen signaling in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced HDPCs. The senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining assay also demonstrated that the antioxidant abilities of PG effectively mitigated H₂O₂-induced senescence. Overall, these results indicate that PG potentially enhances anagen signaling and improves oxidative stress-induced cellular damage in HDPCs. Therefore, PG can be employed as a novel therapeutic component to ameliorate hair loss symptoms.

• ALGAE
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.101-130
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• 2017

The ichthyotoxic Cochlodinium polykrikoides red tides have caused great economic losses in the aquaculture industry in the waters of Korea and other countries. Predicting outbreak of C. polykrikoides red tides 1-2 weeks in advance is a critical step in minimizing losses. In the South Sea of Korea, large C. polykrikoides red tide patches have often been recorded offshore and transported to nearshore waters. To explore the processes of offshore C. polykrikoides red tides, temporal variations in 3-dimensional (3-D) distributions of red tide organisms and environmental parameters were investigated by analyzing 4,432 water samples collected from 2-5 depths of 60 stations in the South Sea, Korea 16 times from May to Nov, 2014. In the study area, the vegetative cells of C. polykrikoides were found as early as May 7, but C. polykrikoides red tide patches were observed from Aug 21 until Oct 9. Cochlodinium red tides occurred in both inner and outer stations. Prior to the occurrence of large C. polykrikoides red tides, the phototrophic dinoflagellates Prorocentrum donghaiense (Jun 12 to Jul 11), Ceratium furca (Jul 11 to Aug 21), and Alexandrium fraterculus (Aug 21) formed red tides in sequence, and diatom red tides formed 2-3 times without a certain distinct pattern. The temperature for the optimal growth of these four red tide dinoflagellates is known to be similar. Thus, the sequence of the maximum growth rates of P. donghaiense > C. furca > A. fraterculus > C. polykrikoides may be partially responsible for this sequence of red tides in the inner stations following high nutrients input in the surface waters because of heavy rains. Furthermore, Cochlodinium red tides formed and persisted at the outer stations when $NO_3$ concentrations of the surface waters were < $2{\mu}M$ and thermocline depths were >20 m with the retreat of deep cold waters, and the abundance of the competing red-tide species was relatively low. The sequence of the maximum swimming speeds and thus potential reachable depths of C. polykrikoides > A. fraterculus > C. furca > P. donghaiense may be responsible for the large C. polykrikoides red tides after the small blooms of the other dinoflagellates. Thus, C. polykrikoides is likely to outgrow over the competitors at the outer stations by descending to depths >20 m and taking nutrients up from deep cold waters. Thus, to predict the process of Cochlodinium red tides in the study area, temporal variations in 3-D distributions of red tide organisms and environmental parameters showing major nutrient sources, formation and depth of thermoclines, intrusion and retreat of deep cold waters, and the abundance of competing red tide species should be well understood.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.339-344
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• 2000

Utilization of animal excreta in aquaculture can have potentials of high fish production and low maintenance costs for fish farming and it can reduce water pollution caused by animal waste disposal. Integration of wastewater treatment pond system with aquaculture has been utilized in many countries. Ecologically balanced pond ecosystem is formed through the stabilization of wastes, the growth of aquatic plants, and the cultivation of fish. The most appropriate fish for rearing in these ponds are those which can feed directly on phytoplankton, especially algae. Carp were introduced into a tertiary pond - water depth of 2.2 m, water surface area of $130\;m^2$, volume of $148\;m^3$ - of a pond system treating milk cow excreta. The carp production was $125g{\cdot}m^{-2}year^{-1}$ which falls into upper range of $18\;-\;137g{\cdot}m^{-2}year^{-1}$ of treated sewage-fed carp farming of other countries. Average $BOD_5$ and T-N of the pond was 19.8 and $21.0\;mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ respectively, and the ecological environment of it was suitable for growth of carp. Several carp of 100g were introduced in August into a secondary pond of the treatment system, whose average $BOD_5$ and T-N was 27.9 and $30.8\;mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ respectively. They were died within one week, which may be attributed to the depletion of dissolved oxygen at dawn. Effluents from primary treatment can be used in fish pond with dilution and those from secondary treatment can be directly funnelled into it. Waste stabilization pond treating animal excreta can be utilized for fish rearing when its water quality maintains secondary treatment level.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.261-265
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• 2010

Lichens, a symbiotic organism of fungi and algae, cause serious damage to national heritages of stone master piece and costly trees for gardening. The present study was conducted to screen effective fungicides against lichen-forming fungi to control the biological agents deteriorating stone heritages and trees. Five commercial fungicides (Fenarimol EC, Etridiazole EC, Iminoctadinetriacetate SL, Difenoconazole+lminocatadinetriacetate ME and Difenoconazole+Azoxystrobin SC) were tested against the lichen-forming fungi (LFF) isolated from seven saxicolous (Caloplaca sp., Ramalina sp., Xanthoparmelia sp., and Xanthoria sp.,) or corticolous (Parmelia sp.,) lichen species. Preliminary screening test showed that no LFF could grow on the MY (malt-yeast extract) agar medium amended with the recommended concentrations of each fungicide. Further screening was conducted at 1%, 10% and 20% of the recommended concentrations of the fungicides. After 7 week incubation at $15^{\circ}C$ in the dark, Difenoconazole+Iminocatadinetriacetate ME and Difenoconazole+Azoxystrobin SC completely inhibited the fungal growth of all the tested LFF, even at 1% of the concentration. Two fungicides of Fenarimol EC and Iminoctadinetriacetate SL exhibited a moderate inhibition activity at the lower concentrations. Etridiazole EC was less effective in the fungal growth inhibition than the other four fungicides. The results suggested that lichens colonizing on precious stone heritages and trees can be eradicated by applying Difenoconazole+Iminocatadinetriacetate ME and Difenoconazole+Azoxystrobin SC even 1% of the recommended concentrations. Selected fungicide application at such a low concentration will facilitate the chemical use to prevent and preserve stone heritages from biological deterioration induced by lichens and the allied microbes.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.52-56
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• 1985

For the fundamental studies of radiation breeding in edible marine algae, the biological effects on conchospores of Porphyra species by gamma-irradiation were examined. Two varieties, Keun-cham-gim (Porphyra tenera Kjell. form tamatsuensis Miura) and Saga No.5, were chosen for this study, and their conchospores after r-irradiation($5.0{\sim}20.0$ KR) were cultured for 50 days. The results obtained were summarized as follows. 1. Gamma-irradiation in less than the dose of 20KR did not affect germination of conchospores, and almost all spores grew into two cells germ in 24 hours after irradiation, but withering germs were gradually increased in number according to higher exposure within 5 days old culture. 2. High irradiation caused the induction of giant cells, abnormal useless growth of hold-fast, lumpish thalli and callus-like lumpy tissues. 3. The liberation of neutral spores from young germs and carpospores from mature thalli were observed on the frond exposed at $10{\sim}20$ KR irradiation. All spores were normal in division and its size. 4. The best irradiation effect on growth of Keun-cham-gim was observed at 10 KR dose, whose growth-rates were $140\%$ in wet weight and $108\%$ in mean frond area, but only $48\%$ was recorded in wet weight at 20 KR exposure. Saga No.5 were in contrast with Keun-cham-gim, and their most growth-rate was $400\%$ in wet weight ($258\%$ in frond area) at 10 KR irradiation and the worst was $20\%$ at the dose of 20 KR. 5. The withering phenomenon to death by treatment of gamma-ray presented substantial difference between two varieties. Survival rate compared with control in Keun-cham-gim was $70.7\%$ at 20 KR, but that in Saga No.5 recorded $47.0\%$ at same dose. 6. Synthesizing the results of high and low r-irradiation, it was suggested tat high r-irradiation in more than 5.0 KR inhibited conspicuously the growth of germs derived from conchospores, and about half of them withered at 15.0 KR dose or more.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.275-279
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• 2015

Micro-algae are unicellular photosynthetic organisms and produce pigments such as chlorophyll and carotenoid. Chlorella contains a lot of protein and functional components like lipids, chlorophyll and carotenoids. In this study we induced mutants of Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) through ultraviolet radiation (UV-B) and selected two mutants by pigment (chlorophyll and carotenoids) content. We named the mutants ‘UBM1-2’, ‘UBM2-57’ and they were cultivated for 21-days. Cell growth, dry cell weight, protein content, lipid and pigments content were measured. The results indicated that the mutants displayed slower cell growth, lower dry cell weight and protein content than the wild type. However, for UBM1-2 the lipid content was 21% higher than the wild type. In addition, the mutants’ chlorophyll content was 37% and 89% higher than the wild type and the carotenoids content was 27% and 70% higher than the wild type, respectively.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.364-373
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• 2015

As an effort to utilize alginate, 103 bacterial isolates that were positive for the alginate lyase activity were isolated from various clams and seawater samples collected in Incheon coastal area. Among them, 3 strains (M1-2-1, M6-1, and C8-15) were finally selected for further analysis based on their activities at higher levels than others. These isolates were all Gram-negative and rod shaped halophilic bacteria with motility. According to their physiological and biochemical properties as well as DNA sequence of their 16S rRNA genes, M1-2-1 and M6-1 were identified as a member of genus Pseudoalteromonas and C8-15 belonged to genus Vibrio. They exhibited the alginate degrading activity at the maximal level when they were cultured in APY broth for 6-8 h at $25^{\circ}C$. Both their growth and the enzyme activity were greatly enhanced when NaCl was added to the growth medium. The crude alginate lyases from the supernatants of the bacterial cultures showed the highest activity at $45^{\circ}C$ and pH 7.0-8.0. M1-2-1 and M6-1 produced 2.723 and 1.976 g/L of reducing sugar from alginate, respectively, suggesting that they have potential for commercial application.