• Molecules and Cells
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• v.38 no.10
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• pp.895-903
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• 2015

Non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the translation of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) involved in the growth and development of a variety of cells, including primordial germ cells (PGCs) which play an essential role in germ cell development. However, the target mRNAs and the regulatory networks influenced by miRNAs in PGCs remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate a novel miRNAs control PGC development through targeting mRNAs involved in various cellular pathways. We reveal the PGC-enriched expression patterns of nine miRNAs, including miR-10b, -18a, -93, -106b, -126-3p, -127, -181a, -181b, and -301, using miRNA expression analysis along with mRNA microarray analysis in PGCs, embryonic gonads, and postnatal testes. These miRNAs are highly expressed in PGCs, as demonstrated by Northern blotting, miRNA in situ hybridization assay, and miRNA qPCR analysis. This integrative study utilizing mRNA microarray analysis and miRNA target prediction demonstrates the regulatory networks through which these miRNAs regulate their potential target genes during PGC development. The elucidated networks of miRNAs disclose a coordinated molecular mechanism by which these miRNAs regulate distinct cellular pathways in PGCs that determine germ cell development.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.75-80
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• 2002

A study on the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on sex differentiation and gonadal development in medaka, Oryzias latipes, was investigated by histological examination. The fish were exposed to aqueous solutions of BPA at nominal concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 $\mu\textrm{g}$/L from newly-hatched larvae stage to 70 d. The ovaries of female fish were composed of oocytes at the chromatin nucleolus and peri-nucleolus stages at 20 d after the exposure. The testes contained a number of spermatogonia and spermatocytes at 30 d. In the process of sex differentiation. gonadal development was not different in all experimental groups until 30 d after the exposure. At 70 d after the exposure, however, advanced development of oocytes in the ovary and inhibition of spermatogenesis in the testis were observed in the BPA-treated groups compared to the non-treated controls. More females than males were identified in the 50 and 100 $\mu\textrm{g}$/L BPA-treated groups, in comparison to the 200 $\mu\textrm{g}$/L BPA-treated group and non-treated controls. Medaka exposed to 200 $\mu\textrm{g}$/L BPA were bigger compared to other experimental groups. The present study suggests that BPA may lead to problems in either mating or sexual behavior due to the difference in growth and disparity of sexual maturation between male and female fish.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.510-522
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• 2008

Our earlier studies showed that estrogen was involved in the regulation of fluid reabsorption in adult mouse efferent ductules (ED), through estrogen receptor (ER) ${\alpha}$ and $ER{\beta}$ by modulating gene expression of epithelial genes involved in ion homeostasis. However, little is known about the importance of $ER{\alpha}$ in the ED during postnatal development. Based on previous findings, we hypothesized that there should be a difference in the expression of epithelial ion transporters and anion producers in the ED of postnatal wild type (WT) and estrogen receptor ${\alpha}$ knockout (${\alpha}ERKO$) mice. Using absolute, comparative and semi-quantitative RT-PCR along with immunohistochemistry, we looked at expression levels of several genes in the ED across postnatal development. The presence of estrogen in the testicular fluid was indirectly ascertained by immunohistochemical detection of the P450 aromatase in the testis. There was no immunohistochemically detectable difference in the expression of P450 aromatase in the testes and ER${\beta}$ in the ED of WT and ${\alpha}$ERKO mice. ER${\alpha}$ was only detected in the ED of WT mice. The absence of ER${\alpha}$ in the ED of postnatally developing mice resulted in differential expression of mRNAs and/or proteins for carbonic anhydrase II, $Na^+/H^+$ exchanger 3, down-regulated in adenoma, cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator, and $Na^+/K^+$ ATPase ${\alpha}$. Our data indicate that the absence of ER${\alpha}$ resulted in altered expression of an epithelial ion producer and transporters during postnatal development of mice. We conclude that the presence of ER${\alpha}$is important for regulation of the ED function during the prepubertal developmental and postpubertal period.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.455-461
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• 2004

The morphological and histological changes of gonad in ridgetail prawn (Expalaemon carinicauda) were examined with the development of the external genitalia. The samples were collected monthly in Hampyung Bay on the western coast of Korea, from January to December 2003. The ovaries lie on the dorsal side of the female prawns thorax. The ovary cavity is located below the heart and above the hepatopancreas. The anterior part of the ovary is round and fused, and the posterior part has a pair of tubular structures. Testes are bilaterally symmetrical; the anterior part shows fused feature, and the posterior part consists of a pair of tubules. Based on histological examination, ripe eggs and spermatozoa were observed when mature females and males reach a length of about 14.9 and 11.5 mm CL, respectively. The immature female are almost same shape and structure with matured one in the endopod of first pleopod and appendix interna of the second pleopod, except the number of setae, and appear to be structurally complete after females reach a length of about 14.9 mm CL. The appendix masculina reaching beyond the distal end of the appendix interna of the second pleopod after males reach a length of more than 5.5 mm CL and a fully developed appendix masculina and appendix interna of the second pleopod appear up to a length of 11.5 mm CL.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.619-624
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• 2003

Genital organs and gonad development in kishi velvet shrimp (Metapenaeopsis dalei) were studied based on morphological and histological observations. The samples were collected monthly around the Ochongdo area on the western coast of Korea, from April 1997 to December 1998. Thelycum appear structurally complete after females reach a length of about 12.0 mm CL. Petasma rarely Join after males reach a length of 10.6 mm CL and a fully developed petasma shows up to a length of 12.0 mm CL. The ovaries lie on the dorsal side of the female shrimps thorax. The ovary cavity is located below the heart and above the hepatopancreas. The anterior part of the ovary is round and fused, and the posterior part shows a pair of tubule-like structures. Testes are bilaterally symmetrical, the anterior part shows a convoluted tubule, and the posterior part consists of a pair of tubules. In histological observations, ripe eggs and spermatozoon show when mature females and males reach a length of about 12.0 mm CL.

• Proceedings of the Korean Aquaculture Society Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.41-41
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• 2003

Transgenic triploid hybrid between fast-growingtransgenic mud loach (Misgurnus mizolepis) males and cyprinid loach (M. anguillicaudatus) females were generated and their performance on growth, feed conversion ability and reproduction were evaluated. Although the growth accelerations of diploid and triploid transgenic hybrids were not as much as those of original transgenic mud loaches, they still represented persistent growth stimulation ranging 11 to 28 fold when compared to their non-transgenic counterparts, with significantly improved feed conversion efficiency up to 2-fold (compared to non-transgenic hybrid) and 1.5-fold (compared to non-transgenic mud loach) in maximum. The gonad development of diploid hybrids was fertile in histological views regardless of transgenic genotypes but the extent of developmentin hybrid fish were less than mud loach diploids at the same age. On the other hands, very stringent sterility was obtained in both sexes of the triploid hybrid transgenics: ovary and testis from transgenic triploid hybrids were significantly depressed and any notable sign for maturation to ovum or spermatids was not detected. No viable embryo was obtained in a fertilization trial using the suspension prepared from the minced testes of transgenic triploid hybrids. This study may indicate the potential usefulness of triploid hybridization as a mean for reproductive containment of transgenic mud loach.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.137-142
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• 1997

A monogenean gill parasite, Prosomicrocotyla gotoi, and a digenean intestinal fluke. Opecoelus sphaericus, were found from greenilngs (Hexagrammos otakii) captured at the Korean southern sea. P. gotoi was characterized by having two separated frills of opisthaptor and distinguished from P. chirii in testis and clamp numbers. O. sphaericus had three pairs of finger-like marginal appendages on the ventral sucker and the parasite was distinguished from O. nipponicus in the location pattern of testes. These two helminth species were the first recording species in Korea.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.294-300
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• 2011

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a phenolic resorcylic acid lactone compound produced by several species of Fusarium. ZEA has toxic effects in the testes of domestic and laboratory animals. Korean red ginseng (KRG), the steamed root of Panax ginseng Meyer, has multiple pharmacological effects such as vasorelaxation, anti-thrombosis, anti-hypertension, etc. In this study, we investigated the effects of KRG extract on testicular toxicity induced by ZEA. Rats were treated with 300 mg/kg oral doses of KRG for 4 weeks every other day. The rats were then treated with a single dose of 5 mg/kg ZEA delivered intraperitoneally, whereas control rats received only doses of the vehicle. As a result, germ cell apoptosis induced by ZEA was decreased by KRG pre-treatment. In addition, Fas and Fas-L expression was reduced in rats that received KRG pre-treatment compared to ones treated with ZEA alone. In conclusion, impaired spermatogenesis resulting from ZEA treatment was prevented by KRG through Fas-Fas L modulating.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.27-33
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• 2003

The developmental features, growth and organogenesis of Macroorchis spinuiosus were observed in albino rats. Globular and thick walled metacercariae, possessed a stylet, Y-shaped excretory bladder and extracecal testes. Un albino rats, M. spinulosus showed habitat shifting. The majority of M. spinulosus reside in the jejunum for the first four days post Infection (p.i.) and migrate to the duodenum at the later stage of infection. M. spinulosus grew rapidly during the first four days and reached full maturity at 14 days p.i. and later reduced in size. The ovary was separated from the genital primodium at one day p.i. The seminal vesicle appeared on the third day and divided into two sacs on the fourth day p.i. and intrauterine eggs and sperm mass were produced on the fourth day. Organogenesis and enlargement of reproductive organs governed the growth of M. spinulosus. The similarity of related species of the genus Macroorchis to M. spinulosus was discussed In consideration to developmental features.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.48-54
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• 2017

The ecological characteristics of Pseudoblennius cottoides were investigated off Dolsan Island, Yeosu, Korea, from June to December, 2001. Their habitats were the reef zone and surrounding embankment which was covered with seaweeds. Their range of total length (TL) was 6.10-8.40 cm (n=15), and the individuals (over 8.10 cm) of them accounted for in June. It was 8.60-15.7 cm (n=67), and the individuals 11.1-12.0 cm in TL accounted for in October, 2001. The female to male sex ratio was 1:0.48 (n=185). The gonads were in the shape of a rod and the ovaries were large in size. In June, the histology of the seminiferous tubules was observed. In August, the testicles appeared. In October, spermatocyte was observed in the testes, and ovaries were observed in relation to circumference popularity and oocyte.