• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.512-524
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• 2024

Transcription factors (TFs) regulate gene expression by binding to DNA. The NAC gene family in plants consists of crucial TFs that influence plant development and stress responses. The whole genome of Capsicum annuum shows over 100 NAC genes (CaNAC). Functional characteristics of the most CaNAC TFs are unknown. In this study, we identified CaNAC4, a novel NAC TF in C. annuum. CaNAC4 expression increased after inoculation with the pathogens, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vesicatoria race 3 and X. axonopodis pv. glycines 8ra, and following treatment with the plant hormones, salicylic acid and abscisic acid. We investigated the functional characteristics of the CaNAC4 gene and its roles in salt tolerance and anti-pathogen defense in transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana. For salt stress analysis, the leaf discs of wild-type and CaNAC4-transgenic N. benthamiana plants were exposed to different concentrations of sodium chloride. Chlorophyll loss was more severe in salt stress-treated wild-type plants than in CaNAC4-transgenic plants. To analyze the role of CaNAC4 in anti-pathogen defense, a spore suspension of Botrytis cinerea was used to infect the leaves. The disease caused by B. cinerea gradually increased in severity, and the symptoms were clearer in the CaNAC4-transgenic lines. We also investigated hypersensitive response (HR) in CaNAC4-transgenic plants. The results showed a stronger HR in wild-type plants after infiltration with the apoptosis regulator, BAX. In conclusion, our results suggest that CaNAC4 may enhance salt tolerance and act as a negative regulator of biotic stress in plants.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.595-605
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• 2008

Genome wide transcription analysis in response to stresses is essential to provide the basis of effective engineering strategies to improve stress tolerance in crop plants. In order to perform transcriptome analysis in Brassica rapa, we constructed a B. rapa oligo microarray, KBGP-24K, using sequence information from approximately 24,000 unigenes and analyzed cold ($4^{\circ}C$), salt (250 mM NaCl), and drought (air-dry) treated B. rapa plants. Among the B. rapa unigenes represented on the microarray, 417 (1.7%), 202 (0.8%), and 738 (3.1%) were identified as responsive genes that were differently expressed 5-fold or more at least once during a 48-h treatment with cold, salt, and drought, respectively. These results were confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. In the abiotic stress responsive genes identified, we found 56 transcription factor genes and 60 commonly responsive genes. It suggests that various transcriptional regulatory mechanisms and common signaling pathway are working together under the abiotic stresses in B. rapa. In conclusion, our new developed 24K oligo microarray will be a useful tool for transcriptome profiling and this work will provide valuable insight in the response to abiotic stress in B. rapa.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.423-432
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• 2013

Zi geese (Anser anser domestica) belong to the white geese and are excellent layers with a superior feed-to-egg conversion ratio. Quantitative gene expression analysis, such as Real-time qRT-PCR, will provide a good understanding of ovarian function during egg-laying and consequently improve egg production. However, we still don't know what reference genes in geese, which show stable expression, should be used for such quantitative analysis. In order to reveal such reference genes, the stability of seven genes were tested in five tissues of Zi geese. Methodology/Principal Findings: The relative transcription levels of genes encoding hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase 1 (HPRT1), ${\beta}$-actin (ACTB), ${\beta}$-tubulin (TUB), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase (GADPH), succinate dehydrogenase flavoprotein (SDH), 28S rRNA (28S) and 18S rRNA (18S) have been quantified in heart, liver, kidney, muscle and ovary in Zi geese respectively at different developmental stages (1 d, 2, 4, 6 and 8 months). The expression stability of these genes was analyzed using geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper software. Conclusions: The expression of 28S in heart, GAPDH in liver and ovary, ACTB in kidney and HPRT1 in muscle are the most stable genes as identified by the three different analysis methods. Thus, these genes are recommended for use as candidate reference genes to compare mRNA transcription in various developmental stages of geese.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.230-230
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• 2002

Class Ⅲ chitin synthases in filamentous fungi are important for hyphal growth and differentiation of several filamentous fungi. A genomic clone containing the full gene encoding Chs4, a class Ⅲ chitin synthase in Penicillium chrysogenum, was cloned by PCR screening and colony hybridization from the genomic library. Nucleotide sequence analysis and transcript mapping of chs4 revealed an open reading frame (ORF) that consisted of 5 exons and 4 introns and encoded a putative protein of 915 amino acids. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the 5′flanking region of the ORF revealed a potential TATA box and several binding sites for transcription activators. The putative transcription initiation site at -716 position was identified by primer extension and the expression of the chs4 during the vegetative growth was confirmed by Northern blot analysis. Amino acid sequence analysis of the Chs4 revealed at least 5 transmembrane helices and several sites for past-transnational modifications. Comparison of the amino acid sequence of Chs4 with those of other fungi showed a close relationship between P chrysogenum and genus Aspergillus.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.25 no.8
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• pp.1380-1389
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• 2015

Prx1, an AhpF-dependent 2-Cys peroxiredoxin (Prx), was previously identified in Vibrio vulnificus, a facultative aerobic pathogen. In the present study, transcription of the V. vulnificus prx1ahpF genes, which are adjacently located on the chromosome, was evaluated by analyzing the promoter and intergenic region of the two genes. Northern blot analyses revealed that transcription of prx1ahpF results in two transcripts, the prx1 and prx1ahpF transcripts. Primer extension analysis and a point mutational analysis of the promoter region showed that the two transcripts are generated from a single promoter. In addition, the 3' end of the prx1 transcript at the prx1ahpF intergenic region was determined by a 3'RACE assay. These results suggested that the prx1ahpF genes are transcribed as an operon, and the prx1 transcript was produced by transcriptional termination in the intergenic region. RNA secondary structure prediction of the prx1ahpF intergenic region singled out a stem-loop structure without poly(U) tract, and a deletion analysis of the intergenic region showed that the atypical stem-loop structure acts as the transcriptional attenuator to result in the prx1 and prx1ahpF transcripts. The combined results demonstrate that the differential expression of prx1 and ahpF is accomplished by the cis-acting transcriptional attenuator located between the two genes and thereby leads to the production of a high level of Prx1 and a low level of AhpF.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.1-15
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• 2018

Objectives Alismatis Rhizoma has been known to suppress inflammation and allergic reaction. However, the cellular target of Alismatis Rhizoma and its mechanism of action remain unclear. This study was designed to examine the effect of Alismatis Rhizoma extract (ALC) on the RBL-2H3 mast cells in vitro and on the OVA/alum sensitized mice ex vivo. Methods In the study, RBL-2H3 mast cells were cultured in minimal essential medium (MEM) for 24 hours, and treated separately with cyclosporin A and varying doses of ALC, and then stimulated with Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) (50 ng/ml) and Ionomycin ($0.5{\mu}M$). The levels of IL-13, IL-4 were measured by ELISA analysis. The mRNA levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, GM-CSF, $TNF-{\alpha}$ were analyzed with Real-time PCR. Also, manifestations of MAPKs transcription factors and $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 translocation were analyzed by western blotting in vitro. Subsequently, for ex vivo experiment, we induced allergic inflammation on Balb/c mice by OVA/alum and administered ALC orally. And we measured serum OVA-specific IgE level and IL-4, IL-13 in the splenocyte culture supernatant by ELISA analysis. Results ALC was shown to suppress mRNA expression of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, GM-CSF, $TNF-{\alpha}$, and to inhibit the IL-13, IL-4 production. Also ALC reduced an activation of mast cells specific signal MAPKs transcription factors and $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 from the western blot analysis in in vitro experiment. In ex vivo, ALC oral adminstration decreased the level of OVA-specific IgE in serum, and IL-4, IL-13 in the splenocyte culture supernatant. Conclusions ALC is shown to reduce inflammation and allergic response by suppressing Th2 cytokines through the regulation of transcription factors MAPKs and $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 in mast cells. Administration of ALC suppressed OVA-specific IgE in ovalbumin allergy model through the inhibition of Th2 cytokine. In conclusion, ALC can be considered as an effective treatment for allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2014

Objectives This study was performed to evaluate the effects of fermented lotus extracts on prediabetes and hyperlipidemia in high fructose diet rats. Methods Extracts of lotus leaf and lotus root were fermented using 4 different probiotics separately, including Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium breve, and Bifidobacterium longum. Expressions of adipogenic transcription factors including Adiponectin, GLUT-4, Leptin, PPAR gamma, Resistin and Visfatin were analyzed by Real time PCR and Western blotting analysis. Results Fermented lotus extracts reduced blood glucose. Fermented lotus extracts inhibited adipogenic transcription factors by inhibiting preadipocytes differentiation. The level of gene expression of Adiponectin, GLUT-4, Leptin, PPAR gamma, Resistin and Visfatin in relation to that of GAPDH were increase or decrease significantly with the Fermented lotus formulation group. Conclusions Fermented lotus extracts showed hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects by inhibiting preadipocyte differentiation and controlling insulin sensitivity in high fructose diet rats.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.11
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• pp.1526-1531
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• 2014

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are key enzymes involved in cell and tissue remodeling during ovarian follicle development and ovulation. The control of MMP9 transcription in ovarian follicles occurs through a core promoter region (-2,400 to -1,700 bp). The aim of this study was to screen genetic variations in the core promoter region and examine MMP9 transcription regulation and reproduction performance. A single cytosine deletion/insertion polymorphism was found at -1954 $C^+/C^-$. Genetic association analysis indicated significant correlation between the deletion genotype ($C^-$) with total egg numbers at 28 weeks (p = 0.031). Furthermore, luciferase-reporter assay showed the deletion genotype ($C^-$) had significantly lower promoter activity than the insertion genotype ($C^+$) in primary granulosa cells (p<0.01). Therefore, the identified polymorphism could be used for marker-assisted selection to improve chicken laying performance.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.379-384
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• 2012

Lhx8 (LIM homeobox 8) gene encodes a LIM homeodomain transcriptional regulator that is preferentially expressed in germ cells and critical for mammalian folliculogenesis. However, Lhx8 DNA binding sequences are not characterized yet. We aimed to identify and characterize a cis-acting sequence of germ-cell specific transcriptional factor, Lhx8. To identify Lhx8 DNA binding element, Cyclic Amplification of Sequence Target (CAST) Analysis was performed. Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) was processed for the binding specificity of Lhx8. Luciferase assay was for the transcriptional activity of Lhx8 through identified DNA binding site. We identified a putative cis-acting sequence, TGATTG as Lhx8 DNA binding element (LBE). In addition, Lhx8 binds to the LBE with high affinity and augments transcriptional activity of luciferase reporter driven by artificial promoter containing the Lhx8 binding element. These findings indicate that Lhx8 directly regulates the transcription of genes containing Lhx8 binding element in oocytes during early folliculogenesis.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.227-231
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• 2005

The estrogen receptor (ER) is activated and degraded by estrogen. We have examined ER downregulation and activation under hypoxia mimetic conditions. Cobalt chloride induced ER downregulation at 24 h of treatment. This degradation involved hypoxia-inducible factor-1$\alpha$ (HIF-1$\alpha$) as examined by using a constitutively active form of HIF-1$\alpha$, HIF-1$\alpha$/VP16, constructed by replacing the transactivation domain of HIF-1$\alpha$ with that of VP16. Western blot analysis revealed that E2-induced ER downregulation was observed within ${\~}6h$, whereas HIF-1$\alpha$/VP16-induced ER degradation was observed within 12${\~}$20h. HIF-1$\alpha$/VP16 activated the transcription of estrogen-responsive reporter gene in the absence of estrogen. These results suggest that ER downregulation and activation under hypoxia maybe mediated in part by a HIP-1$\alpha$ expression.