• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.120-129
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• 2024

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a significant risk factor in the global disease burden. The stem bark of the Betulaceae plant Alnus japonica, which is indigenous to Korea, has been used as a popular folk medicine for hepatitis and cancer. However, the preventive effect of Alnus japonica leaf extracts on alcohol-related liver damage has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of the extracts of Alnus japonica leaf (AJL) against ethanol-induced liver damage in HepG2/2E1 cells. Treatment with AJL significantly prevented ethanol-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2/2E1 cells by reducing the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). This protective effect was likely associated with antioxidant potential of AJL, as evidenced by the attenuation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) production and restoration of the depleted glutathione (GSH) levels in ethanol-induced HepG2/2E1 cells. Our findings suggest that FCC might be considered as a useful agent in the prevention of liver damage induced by oxidative stress by increasing the antioxidant defense mechanism.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.61 no.3
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• pp.248-255
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• 2006

Background: LOH11A is a region with frequent allele loss (>75%) in lung cancer that is located on the centromeric part of chromosome 11p15.5. Clinical and cell biological studies suggest that this region contains a gene associated with metastatic tumor spread. RRM1 encoding the M1 subunit of ribonucleotide reductase, which is an enzyme that catalyses the rate-limiting step in deoxyribonucleotide synthesis, is located in the LOH11A region. Methods: Polymorphisms were found at nucleotide position (-)37 (C/A) and (-)524 (C/T) from the beginning of exon 1 of the RRM1 gene that might regulate the expression of RRM1. We studied the polymorphisms in 127 Korean individuals (66 lung cancer and 61 normal controls) and compared with those of 140 American patients with lung cancer. Results: CC, AC and AA were found at the (-)37 position in 64(50.4%), 55(43.3%), and 8(6.3%) out of 127 Korean individuals (66 cancer, 61 non-cancer patients), respectively. There was a similar frequency of allele A at (-)37 in the American(27.9%) and Korean population(28.0%). CC, CT and TT was found at the (-)524 position in 24(18.9%), 44(34.6%), and 59(46.5%) out of the 127 Korean individuals, respectively. There was a similar frequency of allele C at (-)524 in the American(34.6%) and Korean population(36.2%). There was no difference in the frequency of the (-)37 and (-)524 genotypes between the cancer and non-cancer group. However there was a significant correlation of the genotypes between (-)37 and (-)524 (p<0.001), which suggests the possible coordination of these polymorphisms in the regulation of the promoter activity of the RRM1 gene. Conclusion: RRM1 promoter polymorphisms were not found to be significant risk factors for lung cancer. However, a further study of the promoter activity and expression of the RRM1 gene according to the pattern of the polymorphism will be needed.

• Korean Journal of Breeding Science
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.263-276
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• 2019

'Sinjinbaek' is a bacterial blight (BB)-resistant, mid-late maturing rice cultivar with high grain quality. To diversify the resistance genes and enhance the resistance of Korean rice cultivars against BB, 'Sinjinbaek' was developed from a cross between 'Iksan493' (cultivar name 'Jinbaek') and the F₁ cross between 'Hopum' and 'HR24670-9-2-1' ('HR24670'). 'Jinbaek' is a BB-resistant cultivar with two BB resistance genes, Xa3 and xa5. 'Hopum' is a high grain quality cultivar with the Xa3 resistance gene. 'HR24670' is a near-isogenic line that carries the Xa21 gene, a resistance gene inherited from a wild rice species O. longistaminata, in the genetic background of japonica elite rice line 'Suweon345'. 'Sinjinbaek' was selected through the pedigree method, yield trials, and local adaptability tests. Using bioassay for BB races and DNA markers for resistance genes, three resistance genes, Xa3, xa5, and Xa21, were pyramided in the 'Sinjinbaek' cultivar. 'Sinjinbaek' exhibited high-level and broad-spectrum resistance against BB, including the K3a race, the most virulent race in Korea. 'Sinjinbaek' is a mid-late maturing rice cultivar tolerant to lodging. It has multiple disease resistance against BB, rice blast, and stripe virus. The yield of 'Sinjinbaek' was similar to that of 'Nampyeong'. 'Sinjinbaek' showed excellent grain appearance, good taste of cooked rice, and enhanced milling performance, and we concluded that it could contribute to improving the quality of BB-resistant cultivars. 'Sinjinbaek' was successfully introgressed with the Xa21 gene without the linkage drag negatively affecting its agronomic characteristics. 'Sinjinbaek' improved the resistance of Korean rice cultivars against BB by introgression of a new resistance gene, Xa21, as well as by pyramiding three resistance genes, Xa3, xa5, and Xa21. 'Sinjinbaek' would be suitable for the cultivation in BB-prone areas since it has been used in breeding programs for enhancing plants' resistance to BB (Registration No. 7273).

• 한국균학회소식:학술대회논문집
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• 2015.05a
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• pp.59-59
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• 2015

Cryptococcus neoformans causes life-threatening meningoencephalitis in humans, but the treatment of cryptococcosis remains challenging. To develop novel therapeutic targets and approaches, signaling cascades controlling pathogenicity of C. neoformans have been extensively studied but the underlying biological regulatory circuits remain elusive, particularly due to the presence of an evolutionarily divergent set of transcription factors (TFs) in this basidiomycetous fungus. In this study, we constructed a high-quality of 322 signature-tagged gene deletion strains for 155 putative TF genes, which were previously predicted using the DNA-binding domain TF database (http://www.transcriptionfactor.org/). We tested in vivo and in vitro phenotypic traits under 32 distinct growth conditions using 322 TF gene deletion strains. At least one phenotypic trait was exhibited by 145 out of 155 TF mutants (93%) and approximately 85% of the TFs (132/155) have been functionally characterized for the first time in this study. Through high-coverage phenome analysis, we discovered myriad novel TFs that play critical roles in growth, differentiation, virulence-factor (melanin, capsule, and urease) formation, stress responses, antifungal drug resistance, and virulence. Large-scale virulence and infectivity assays in insect (Galleria mellonella) and mouse host models identified 34 novel TFs that are critical for pathogenicity. The genotypic and phenotypic data for each TF are available in the C. neoformans TF phenome database (http://tf.cryptococcus.org). In conclusion, our phenome-based functional analysis of the C. neoformans TF mutant library provides key insights into transcriptional networks of basidiomycetous fungi and ubiquitous human fungal pathogens.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.172-178
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• 2013

The strains were added to the feed in the concentration of $10^3$, $10^5$, and $10^7$ CFU/kg and 2% of fishes were given the feed twice a day (8 AM and 5 PM) for 12 weeks. In result of the nonspecific immune response study to examine Respiratory burst activity, Lysozyme activity and Phagocytosis activity every two weeks until the end of the study, all test samples showed greater activities than control samples and improved immune activity with Bacillus sp. IS-2. The mortality test performed by artificial infection using Streptococcus iniae, a pathogenic bacterium, after the completion of this study also showed over 55% greater survival rate in all test samples. In result of performing PCR using the universal primer to verify that the probiotic stays in the intestines of the fishes, all test samples showed PCR product of 1,465 bp. Based on the above findings, it was concluded that Bacillus sp. IS-2 in the feed improved farmed flatfish's immune system and resistance against diseases as the probiotics. Also, the physiological indicators discovered by this study would be useful for identifying the mechanisms of probiotics.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.201-210
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• 2001

Background : Approximately 10-13% of patients with interstitial lung disease(ILD) die of lung cancer, and patients with ILD have been reported to have a 7 fold higher incidence of lung cancer compared to the normal population. Recently, overexpression of the p53 and p21 proteins were observed in the epithelial cells from pathologic specimens of ILD. Overexpression of these proteins may result from chronic or recurrent DNA damage by unknown causes of inflammation. However, these proteins may also contribute to oncogenesis if other genetic alterations such as K-ras are superimposed. Methods : Immunohistochemical stains for p53 and K-ras proteins were performed with pathologic specimens from 38 cases with ILD(M/F : 27/11, mean agea : $54{\pm}10$ years) and from 10 control subjects. Results : The p53 protein was expressed in 21.1% (8/38 ILD cases) and K-ras protein expression was observed in 65.8% (25/38 ILD cases). However, neither p53 nor the K-ras protein staining was observed in the control subjects. Conclusion : A significant proportion of cases with ILD expressed the p53 and K-ras proteins in their bronchial epithelial cells. These proteins may be potentially oncogenic with the addition of further genetic alterations. However, to clarify the significance of these findings, further studies looking for correlations with the incidence of lung cancer and other genetic changes are needed.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.242-250
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• 2006

Objective: Periodontal ligament fibroblasts have an ectomesenchymal origin and are thought to play a crucial role for not only homeostasis of periodontal tissues but also bone remodeling, wound healing and regeneration of tissues. Recently, it has been reported that UNC-50 is not expressed in gingival fibroblasts but in PDL fibroblasts. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression of UNC-50 and osteocalcin in the periodontium after application of intermittent force. Methods: Twelve rats had 40 grams of mesially-directed force applied at the upper molar for 1 hour/day. Four rats were sacrificed at 1, 3 and 5 days. Immunohistochemical localization of UNC-50 and osteocalcin antibody was carried out. The results showed apposition of new cellular cementum and a slight increase in periodontal space at the tension side. Results: Strong UNC-50 expression was observed in the differentiating cementoblasts close to PDL fibroblasts in the tension side whereas it was barely expressed at the compression side. Expression was strong at day 3, and decreased at day 5. Osteocalcin immunoreactivity expression was strong in differentiating cementoblasts at the tension side. Conclusion: It can be suggested that UNC-50 is related to the differentiation of cementoblasts, and may be responsible for the molecular event in PDL cells under mechanical stress.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.229-236
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• 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity and relationships of Ogye populations in Korea. A total of 243 genomic DNA samples from 6 Ogye population (Yeonsan Ogye; YSO, Animal Genetic Resources Research Center Ogye; ARO, Chungbuk Ogye; CBO, Chungnam Ogye; CNO, Gyeongbuk Ogye; GBO, Seoul National University Ogye; SUO) and 3 introduced chicken breeds (Rhode Island Red; RIR, White Leghorn; LG, Cornish; CN) were used. Sizes of 25 microsatellite markers were decided using GeneMapper Software(v 5.0) after analyzing ABI 3130XL. A total of 153 alleles were observed and the range was 2 to 10 per each locus. The mean of expected and observed heterozygosity and PIC (Polymorphism Information Content) value was 0.53, 0.50, 0.46 respectively. The lowest genetic distance (0.073) was observed between YSO and SUO, and the highest distance (0.937) between the RIR and CBO. The results of clustering analysis suggested 3 clusters (${\Delta}K=7.96$). Excluding GBO population, 5 Ogye populations (YSO, ARO, CBO, CNO, SUO) were grouped in same cluster with high genetic uniformity (0.990, 0.979, 0.989, 0.994, 0.985 respectively). But GBO population was grouped in cluster 1 with low genetic uniformity (0.340). The results of this study can be use to basic data for the genetic evaluation and management of Ogye populations in Korea.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.287-300
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• 2005

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in head and neck show a variability in the response to chemotherapy, even when it present with similar histological tumor type, grade, and clinical stage. The purpose of present study it to identify predictive bio-marker for the sensitivity or resistance to conventional chemotherapeutic agents, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and Cisplatin Oral cancer cell lines were used in present study. MTT assay was performed to evaluate the sensitivity and/or resistance to 5-FU and Cisplatin. And RT-PCR was carried out for evaluation of the mRNA expressions of various genes associated with mutation, inflammation (COX pathway), cell cycle, senescence and extracellular matrix (ECM). The molecules which are correlated with the sensitivity to 5-FU are XPA, XPC, OGG, APEX, COX-2, PPAR, Cyclin E, Cyclin B1, CDC2, hTERT, hTR, TIMP-3, TIMP-4 and HSP47. And the molecules are correlated with the sensitivity to Cisplatin are COX-1, iNOS, eNOS, PCNA, collagen 1 and MMP-9. Taken together, when choosing the appropriate chemotherpeutic agents for patients, considering the molecules which are correlated or reversely correlated is helpful to choose the resonable agents for cancer patients.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.16 no.3 s.76
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• pp.546-554
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• 2006

To understand antitumor activity of Zanthoxylum schinfolium, which has been used as an aromatic and medicinal plant in Korea, the cytotoxic effect of various organic solvent extracts of its leaves on human tumor cells were investigated. Among these extracts such as methanol extract (SL-13), methylene chloride extract (SL-14), ethyl acetate extract (SL-15), n-butanol extract (SL-16), and residual fraction (SL-17), SL-14 appeared to contain the most cytotoxic activity against leukemia and breast cancer cells tested. The methylene chloride extra.1 (SL-14) possessed an apoptogenic activity causing apoptotic DNA fragmentation of human acute leukemia Jurkat T cells via mitochondrial cytochrome c release into cytoplasm, subsequent activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, and cleavage of PARP, which could be negatively regulated by antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL. The GC-MS analysis of SL-14 revealed that the twenty-two ingredients of SL-14 were 9,19-cyclolanost-24-en-3-ol (15.1%), 2-a-methyl-17, b-hop-21-ene (15.1%), 15-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1H benzazepin (11.95%), phytol (10.38%), lupeol (9.92%), 12-methylbenzofuran (8.23%), hexadecanoic acid (5.96%), cis,cis,cis-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid-methyl-ester (5.49%), 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid-methylester (3.59%), 15-methyl-4-(1-methylethylidene)-2-(4-nitrophenyl) (3.36%), hexadecanoic acid methyl ester (1.93%), vitamine E (1.88%), beta-amyrin (0.96%), and auraptene (0.89%). These results demonstrate that the cytotoxicity of the methylene chloride extract of the leaves of Z. schinifolium toward Jurkat T cells is mainly attributable to apoptosis mediated by mitochondria-dependent caspase cascade regulated by Bcl-xL, and provide an insight into the mechanism underlying antitumor activity of the edible plant Z. schinifolium.