• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.135-138
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• 2002

Cotyledonary explants from immature zygotic embryos of each 85 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were cultured on medium containing MS salts, B5 vitamins, 40 mg$^{-1}$ 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 30 g$^{-1}$ sucrose. Frequency of somatic embryo formation on cotyledonary explants showed in thirty-six lines(＜10%), in thirty-seven lines (11~49%), in nine lines (50~89%), and in three lines(>90%), respectively, The highest frequency (up to 90%) and number (6.36 per cotyledon) of somatic embryos were obtained from lines of KM1010, KM1032 and KM1064. Primary somatic embryos produced from three lines produced numerous secondary somatic embryos on the surfaces, which were subcultured for over one year. Upon transfer to maturation and conversion medium (Komatsuda, 1992), somatic embryos converted to plantlets at a frequency of approximately 25%.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.317-331
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• 2016

Development of disease resistant plant is one of the important objectives in rice breeding programs because biotic stresses can adversely affect rice growth and yield losses. This study was conducted to identify lines with multiple-resistance genes to biotic stress among 173 hybrid rice breeding lines and germplasms using DNA-based markers. Our results showed that one hybrid rice line [IR98161-2-1-1-k1-3 (IR86409-3-1-1-1-1-1/IRBB66)] possessed 5 bacterial blight resistance genes (Xa4, xa5, Xa7, Xa13 and Xa21) while two hybrid rice lines [IR98161-2-1-1-k1-2 (IR86409-3-1-1-1-1-1/IRBB66) and 7292s (IR75589-31-27-8-33S(S1)/IR102758B)] possessed 3 bacterial blight resistance genes (Xa4, Xa7 and Xa21, and Xa3, Xa4 and xa5). Molecular survey on rice blast disease revealed that most of these lines had two different resistant genes. Only 11 lines possessed Pib, Pi-5, and Pi-ta. In addition, we further surveyed the distribution of insect resistant genes, such as Bph1, Bph18(t), and Wbph. Three hybrid breeding lines [IR98161-2-1-1-k1-3 (IR86409-3-1-1-1-1-1/IRBB66), IR98161-2-1-1-k1-2 (IR86409-3-1-1-1-1-1/IRBB66), and 7292s (IR75589-31-27-8-33S(S1) /IR102758B)] contained all three resistance genes. Finally, we obtained four hybrid rice breeding lines and germplasms [IR98161-2-1-1-k1-2 (IR86409-3-1-1-1-1-1/IRBB66), Damm-Noeub Khmau, 7290s, and 7292s (IR75589-31-27-8-33S(S1)/IR102758B)] possessing six-gene combination. They are expected to provide higher level of multiple resistance to biotic stress. This study is important for genotyping hybrid rice with resistance to diverse diseases and pests. Results obtained in this study suggest that identification of pyramided resistance genes is very important for screening hybrid rice breeding lines and germplasms accurately for disease and pest resistance. We will expand their cultivation safely through bioassays against diseases, pests, and disaster in its main export countries.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.21-29
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• 2017

Methylation of CpG islands in the promoter region of genes acts as a significant mechanism of epigenetic gene silencing in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). DNA methylation markers are particularly advantageous because DNA methylation is an early event in tumorigenesis, and the epigenetic modification, 5-methylcytosine, is a stable mark. In the present study, we assessed the genome-wide preliminary screening and were to identify novel methylation biomarker candidate in HNSCC. Genome-wide methylation analysis was performed on 10 HNSCC tumors using the Methylated DNA Isolation Assay (MeDIA) CpG island microarray. Validation was done using immunohistochemistry using tissue microarray of 135 independent HNSCC tumors. In addition, in vitro proliferation, migration/invasion assays, RT-PCR and immunoblotting were performed to elucidate molecular regulating mechanisms. Our preliminary validation using CpG microarray data set, immunohisto-chemistry for HNSCC tumor tissues and in vitro functional assays revealed that methylation of the Homeobox B5 (HOXB5) and H6 Family Homeobox 2 (HMX2) could be possible novel methylation biomarkers in HNSCC.

• The Journal of Korean Society of Virology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.19-27
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• 1997

To develop the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of type D simian retrovirus (SRV) infection, an oligonucleotide primer pair was designed to hybridize to the sequences within env gene of SRV subtype 1 (SRV-1). The 3' proximal env sequences annealing to the primers had been rather conserved among three different subtypes of SRV, SRV-1, SRV-2, and SRV-3 (Mason-Pfizer Monkey Virus: MPMV). The PCR using the primer pair targeting an env region successfully detected and amplified all three subtypes of SRV with excellent specificity after single round of reaction. The tests with peripheral blood mononuclear cells infected either with simian immunodeficiency virus or simian T-Iymphotropic virus type 1, major immunosuppressive viral agents together with SRV in simian, verified the specificity of the PCR by excluding any cross reactivity. Semiquantitative titration PCR, amplifying serially diluted plasmid DNA of each subtype, was performed to evaluate sensitivity limits of the reaction. Based on molecular weight of each cloned SRV genome, the PCR should be able to detect one SRV-infected cell per more than $5-7{\times}10^4$ uninfected cells after simple ethidium bromide staining of resulting products. The PCR must be very efficient screening system with its quickness, certainty, and sensitivity for SRV-infected animals used in human AIDS research model. Second round amplification of the reaction products from the first PCR, or Southern hybridization by radiolabeled probes shall render to compete its efficacy to ELISA which has been the most sensitive technique to screen SRV infection but with frequent ambiguity problem.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.81-87
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• 2016

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is produced by Aspergillus flavus growing in feedstuffs. Early detection of maize contamination by aflatoxigenic fungi is advantageous since aflatoxins exert adverse health effects. In this study, we report the development of an optimized conventional PCR for AFB1 detection and a rapid, sensitive and simple screening Real-time PCR (qPCR) with SYBR Green and two pairs of primers targeting the aflR genes which involved aflatoxin biosynthesis. AFB1 contaminated maize samples were divided into three groups by the toxin concentration. Genomic DNA was extracted from those samples. The target genes for A. flavus were tested by conventional PCR and the PCR products were analyzed by electrophoresis. A conventional PCR was carried out as nested PCR to verify the gene amplicon sizes. PCR-RFLP patterns, obtained with Hinc II and Pvu II enzyme analysis showed the differences to distinguish aflatoxin-producing fungi. However, they are not quantitative and need a separation of the products on gel and their visualization under UV light. On the other hand, qPCR facilitates the monitoring of the reaction as it progresses. It does not require post-PCR handling, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination and handling errors. It results in a much faster throughout. We found that the optimal primer annealing temperature was $65^{\circ}C$. The optimized template and primer concentration were $1.5{\mu}L\;(50ng/{\mu}L)$ and $3{\mu}L\;(10{\mu}M/{\mu}L)$ respectively. SYBR Green qPCR of four genes demonstrated amplification curves and melting peaks for tub1, afIM, afIR, and afID genes are at $88.0^{\circ}C$, $87.5^{\circ}C$, $83.5^{\circ}C$, and $89.5^{\circ}C$ respectively. Consequently, it was found that the four primers had elevated annealing temperatures, nevertheless it is desirable since it enhances the DNA binding specificity of the dye. New qPCR protocol could be employed for the determination of aflatoxin content in feedstuff samples.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.244-247
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• 2004

To investigate the effects of elevated $CO_2$ on the denitrifying bacterial community structure in a wetland soil, dynamics of bacterial community structure was explored in an artificial wetland ecosystem with one of three plant species (T. latifolia, S. lacustris, and 1. effusus) under two levels of $CO_2$(370 ppm or 740 ppm) after 110day incubation. For the analysis of bacterial community structure, functional genes such as nitrite reductase genes (nirS) were PCR-amplified followed by cloning of PCR products and screening by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). nirS gene fragments were amplified in all analyzed soil samples. Species richness estimated by the number of distinct phylotypes were 83 and 95 in the ambient $CO_2$ treatment and the elevated treatment, respectively. Two phylotypes (type 1 and type 2) were dominant in both of the treatments. Elevated $CO_2$ treatment increased species richness of denitrifying as well as changed a large proportion of denitrifier phylotypes compared to those of the ambient treatment. Overall, the data in this study suggested that the denitrifying communities in the wetland soil are diverse and that the richness of denitrifying bacterial community might be affected by elevated $CO_2$ treatment.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.18-27
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• 2020

The correct distinction of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and ccarbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) and the rapid detection of CPE are important for instituting the correct treatment and management of clinical infections. Screening protocols are mainly based on cultures of rectal swab specimens on selective media followed by phenotypic tests to confirm a carbapenem-hydrolyzing activity, the rapid carbapenem inactivation method, lateral flow immunoassay, the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight test and molecular methods. The CPE is accurate for detection, and is essential for the clinical treatment and prevention of infections. A variety of phenotypic methods and gene-based methods are available for the rapid detection of carbapenemases, and these are expected to be routinely used in clinical microbiology laboratories. Therefore, to control the spread of carbapenemase, many laboratories around the world will need to use reliable, fast, high efficiency, simple and low cost methods. Optimal effects in patient applications would require rapid testing of CRE to provide reproducible support for antimicrobial management interventions or the treatment by various types of clinicians. For the optimal test method, it is necessary to combine complementary test methods to discriminate between various resistant bacterial species and to discover the genetic diversity of various types of carbapenemase for arriving at the best infection control strategy.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.10
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• pp.1161-1167
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• 2017

In order to find a new antimicrobial bacterium, we performed screening for antimicrobial activity of bacteria isolated from the eggs of a sea hare. The newly identified strain was designated as Phaeobacter inhibens KJ-2, based on the biochemical characterization and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. A colony of P. inhibens KJ-2 showed a circular and ruler-like smooth form at the edge, and a brown color. However, when maintained with a longer incubation time, its coloring was transformed into dark brown. From the result of SEM, P. inhibens KJ-2 is a bacillus which has a length of $0.8{\sim}1.0{\mu}m$ and a width of $0.4{\sim}0.6{\mu}m$. The optimal growth and antimicrobial activity were observed by shaking the culture for 24 hr at $20^{\circ}C$, which showed potent activity against pathogenic bacteria including Vibrio logei, Vibrio campbellii, Vibrio mimicus, Vibrio vulnificus, and Vibrio salmonicida. The antimicrobial activity was proportional to the amount of produced acylated homoserine lactones (AHLs). Therefore, we suggest that production of antimicrobial materials from P. inhibens KJ-2 is regulated by Quorum sensing (QS).

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.407-416
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• 2008

Thirteen near-isogenic lines (NILs) of japonica rice were developed via a backcross method using the recurrent parent Chucheong, which is of good eating quality but is susceptible to Magnaporthe grisea, and three blast resistant japonica donors, Seolak, Daeseong and Bongkwang. The agro-morphological traits of these NILs, such as heading date, culm length, and panicle length, were similar to those of Chucheong. In a genome-wide scan using 158 SSR markers, chromosome segments of Chucheong were identified in most polymorphic regions of the 13 NIL plants, and only a few chromosome segments were found to have been substituted by donor alleles. The genetic similarities of the 13 NILs to the recurrent parent Chucheong averaged 0.961, with a range of 0.932-0.984. Analysis of 13 major blast resistance (R) genes in these lines using specific DNA markers showed that each NIL appeared to contain some combination of the four R genes, Pib, Pii, Pik-m and Pita-2, with the first three genes being present in each line. Screening of nine M. grisea isolates revealed that one NIL M7 was resistant to all nine isolates; the remaining NILs were each resistant to between three and seven isolates, except for NIL M106, which was resistant to only two isolates. In a blast nursery experiment, all the NILs proved to be more resistant than Chucheong. These newly developed NILs have potential as commercial rice varieties because of their increased resistance to M. grisea combined with the desirable agronomic traits of Chucheong. They also provide material for studying the genetic basis of blast resistance.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.373-379
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• 2015

Pyruvate kinase M2 isoform (PKM2), a rate-limiting enzyme in the final step of glycolysis, is known to be associated with the metabolic rewiring of cancer cells, and considered an important cancer therapeutic target. Herein, we report a novel PKM2 activator, PA-12, which was identified via the molecular docking-based virtual screening. We demonstrate that PA-12 stimulates the pyruvate kinase activity of recombinant PKM2 in vitro, with a half-maximal activity concentration of $4.92{\mu}M$, and effectively suppresses both anchorage-dependent and -independent growth of lung cancer cells in non-essential amino acid-depleted medium. In addition, PA-12 blocked the nuclear translocalization of PKM2 in lung cancer cells, resulting in the inhibition of hypoxia response element (HRE)-mediated reporter activity as well as hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) target gene expression, eventually leading to the suppression of cell viability under hypoxia. We also verified that the effects of PA-12 were dependent on PKM2 expression in cancer cells, demonstrating the specificity of PA-12 for PKM2 protein. Taken together, our data suggest that PA-12 is a novel and potent PKM2 activator that has therapeutic implications for lung cancer.