• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.317-324
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• 2012

We characterized the cytoskeletal beta-actin (${\beta}$-ACT) gene (actb) and its 5'-upstream regulatory region in the Javanese ricefish Oryzias javanicus. The gene and protein structures were deduced from amino acid sequences of the actb gene and conserved in the teleost lineage. The O. javanicus actb gene has common transcription factor binding motifs in its regulatory region found in teleostean orthologues. Following quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, actb gene transcripts were detected in all tissues examined; however, the basal expression levels were different. During early development, O. javanicus actb mRNA levels showed a gradual increase and peaked between late somitogenesis and the heartbeat stage. Microinjection of O. javanicus embryos with the actb gene promoter-driven red fluorescent protein (RFP) gene reporter vector showed a ubiquitous distribution of RFP signals, although most exhibited a mosaic pattern of transgene expression. A small number of microinjected embryos displayed a wide distribution of RFP signals over their entire body, which resembled the expression pattern of endogenous actb. Data from this study provide a basis to develop a transgenic system with ubiquitous expression of foreign genes in O. javanicus.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.41-59
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• 2006

Chronic liver diseases and hepatic cancer have been reported as 10% of cause of death in Koreans. Regardless of various causes, chronic liver disease accompanies commonly hepatic fibrosis. But still the mechanism of hepatic fibrosis remains poorly understood. Using the dimethylnitrosamine(DMN)-induced hepatic fibrosis rat model, We performed to evaluate the possible therapeutic effect of RIP(extracts of Phellodendron amurense and Patrinia scabiosaefolia) and to investigate the changes in referential connective tissue proteins($TGF-{\beta}_1$, ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin, and vimentin) as a marker of fibrogenesis. For these purposes, liver tissues were stained with H & E, and Azan staining for estimation of developing fibrosis. In the DMN-treated rat liver tissue, fibrosis were developed forming incomplete septal fibrosis. Whereas, in the RIP-treated rat liver tissues, the fibrosis were decreased recovering to normal morphology. The expressions of $TGF-{\beta}_1$, ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin($\alpha-SMA$), and vimetin were increased in the DMN-treated rat liver tissues, but decreased in the various areas of RIP-treated rat liver tissues. According to these results, RIP could be a possible therapeutic agent to reduce hepatic fibrosis, and the $TGF-{\beta}_1$, ${\alpha}$-SMA, and vimentin could be possible indicative markers of hepatic fibrosis development and recovery.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.562-567
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• 2008

To develop human risk assessment protocols, we explored housekeeping gene and cytokine expression in mouse spleen cells using Rt-PCR. We normalized housekeeping gene expression by RT-PCR; gene expression was highly uniform in potato leafs and mouse spleen cells. We measured the expression of frequently used housekeeping genes, such as those encoding APRT, $\beta$-tubulin, Actin, Hsp 20.2, Cyclophilin, 18S RNA, Efla, Tbp, GAPDH, $\beta$-actin, Tuba2, Hprt, Cyclophlin A, Tfrc, and RPL13A in mice fed GM or non-GM potatoes. Housekeeping gene expression did not show any significant differences between GM and non-GM potato-fed mice. The murine model of potato-fed mice did not express IL-4 and IL-13 at a significant levels.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.898-908
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• 2000

Background : Eotaxin a CC chemokine specific for eosinophils, is implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma by recruiting eosinophils into the airways. Theophylline has been used for the treatment of asthma and recently was proposed to have an anti-inflammatory action. The aim of this study is to examine whether theophylline may inhibit the eosinophilic airway inflammation by reducing the expression of eotaxin. Methods : The expression of eotaxin mRNA was assessed by Northern analysis in A549 cells 4 h after stimulation with TNF-$\alpha$ or IL-1$\beta$. And then, theophylline was added to A549 cells stimulated with 0.1 ng/mL IL-1$\beta$. Results : Eotaxin mRNA expression rates induced by 0.1, 1, 10 ng/mL TNF-$\alpha$ as compared with $\beta$-actin, were 7%, 22%. 28%, respectively. Eotaxin mRNA expression rates induced by 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 ng/mL IL-1$\beta$, as compared with $\beta$-actin, were 10%, 42%, 63%, 72%, respectively. Eotaxin mRNA expression rates after the addition of 0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 ${\mu}M$ dexamethasone induced by 10 ng/mL TNF-$\alpha$ as compared with $\beta$-actin, were 27%, 18%, 8%, respectively. Eotaxin mRNA expression rate after the addition of 0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 ${\mu}M$ dexamethasone induced by 0.1 ng/mL IL-1$\beta$ as compared with $\beta$-actin, were 43%, 47%, 12%, 8%, respectively. Eotaxin mRNA expression rates after the addition of 0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 mM theophylline induced by 0.1 ng/mL IL-1$\beta$, as compared with $\beta$-actin, were 48%, 40%, 33%, 22%, 16%, 14%, respectively. Conclusion : These results suggest that theophylline may reduce eosinophil infiltration of the airway at least in part by reducing the expression of eotaxin under the conditions of these experiments.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.58 no.3
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• pp.267-276
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• 2005

Background : The transforming growth $factor-{\beta}1$ ($TGF-{\beta}1$) plays a key role in lung fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in $TGF-{\beta}1$-induced lung fibrosis are unclear. $TGF-{\beta}1$ is the key inducer of myofibroblast transdifferentiation via de novo synthesis of ${\alpha}-smooth$ muscle actin (${\alpha}-SMA$). Since $TGF-{\beta}1$ signals through reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ROS have been shown to induce accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in various tissues, this study examined if ROS play a role in $TGF-{\beta}1$-induced fibronectin secretion and ${\alpha}-SMA$ expression in human lung fibroblasts, MRC-5 cells. Methods : Growth arrested and synchronized MRC-5 cells were stimulated with $TGF-{\beta}1$ (0.2-10 ng/ml) in the presence or absence of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) for up to 96 hours. Dichlorofluorescein (DCF)-sensitive cellular ROS were measured by FACScan and secreted fibronectin and cellular ${\alpha}-SMA$ by Western blot analysis. Results : $TGF-{\beta}1$ increased the level of fibronectin secretion and ${\alpha}-SMA$ expression in MRC-5 cells in a dosedependent manner. Both NAC (20 and 30 mM) and DPI (1 and $5{\mu}M$) significantly inhibited $TGF-{\beta}1$-induced fibronectin and ${\alpha}-SMA$ upregulation. The $TGF-{\beta}1$-induced cellular ROS level was also significantly reduced by NAC and DPI. Conclusions : The results suggest that NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS play an important role in $TGF-{\beta}1$-induced fibronectin secretion and ${\alpha}-SMA$ expression in MRC-5 cells, which leads to myofibroblast transdifferentiation and progressive lung fibrosis.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.329-335
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• 2004

To develop a biomarker for the monitoring of the contamination of estrogenic endocrine disrupters in the aquatic environment, reverse transcription -polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of vitellogenin (Vg) mRNA expression was optimized in Bombina orientalis, a Korean red bellied toad species. Based on partial cDNA sequences of both Vg and beta actin genes of B. orientalis, specific primers for RT-PCR of Vg and beta actin mRNAs were developed. Semiquantitative RT-PCR of the Vg mRNA in liver was optimized using a beta actin mRNA as an internal control in both sexes. In female RT-PCR using $1\;\mu{g}$ of the liver cDNA resulted in a linear increment in the PCR product of Vg from 18 to 34 cycles of amplification. In male, on the contrary, the RT- PCR product was first detected at 30 cycles of amplification and a linear increment was observed from 30 to 40 cycles of amplification, suggesting that male B. orientalis expresses minute amount of Vg mRNA which is a $2^{-12}$ equivalent of female. In conclusion, the optimized protocol for semiquantitative RT-PCR analysis of Vg mRNA level in B. orientalis male liver will be useful for the environmental monitoring the xenoestrogen contamination in the freshwater environment in Korea.

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.33-37
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• 1997

construct containing reporter gene(pFV4CAT) regulated by carp $\beta$-actin promoter was microinjected into the one-cell stage egg of mud loach (Misgurnus mizolepis), and was successfully expressed, possibly by the integration into the genome. Both mean hatching success and early survival of the microinjected groups were not significantly different with those of control groups (P>0.05). The incidence of transgene was ranged from 7 to 48% based on the PCR and/or Southern blot analyses with the DNA prepared from fin or blood tissue. The spatial and temporal patterns of expression of the pFV4CAT gene, measured by in situ immunohistochemical analysis peroxidase-conjugated anti-CAT antibody, were variable among the experimental individuals. These results suggest that carp $\beta$-actin promoter is effective to express other transgene in mud loach, such that this promoter can be useful in the generation of valuable transgenic mud loach.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Environmental Toocicology Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.164-164
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• 2002

에스트로젠을 처리한 송사리의 간으로부터 choriogenin vitellogenin estrogen receptor의 발현량을 전사수준에서 Real-time을 사용하여 정량.비교하였다. 시험어종으로는 부화 후 5개월 이상된 성숙한 수컷 송사리(Oryzias latipes)를(체중 약 250mg/마리)를 사용하여 17$\beta$-estradiol(25ppt, 50ppt, 100ppt)에 24시간 노출시켰다. Fluorescence dye는 choriogenin vitellogenin estrogen receptor의 경우 FAM (6-carboxyfluorescein)을 사용하였으며, $\beta$-actin의 경우는 VIC를 사용하였다. 프로브에 사용하는 quencher dye는 TAMRA(6-carboxy-N',N',N',N'-tetramethyl rhodamine)을 사용하였다. Internal control로 사용된 $\beta$-actin은 17$\beta$-estradiol의 농도에 상관 없이 0~10pM 범위에서 일정하게 발현됨을 보여주었다. vitellogenin choriogenin L 및 choriogenin H는 17$\beta$-estradiol의 농도에 의존하여 발현이 증가되는 용량-반응양상(Dose-dependent)을 나타내었다. 반면, estrogen receptor는 모든 처리군에서 $10^{-2}$pM 정도로 발혐됨에 따라 본 시험농도의 17$\beta$-estradiol에 의해서는 거의 유도발현이 되지 않음을 보여주었다. choriogenin L, choriogenin H, vitellogenin I 및 estrogen receptor 발현감수성을 비교한 결과, 25ppt 및 50ppt의 17$\beta$-esoadiol 농도에서는 ChgL > ChgH > VTG I >ER의 순으로 감수성이 높았으며, 100ppt 노출에서는 ChgL > VTG I > Chg H > ER의 순으로 감수성이 높게 나타났다. 결론적으로 choriogenin이 에스트로젠물질에 의한 가장 민감한 생체지표임을 알 수 있었다.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.183-193
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• 2015

Several transgenic marine medaka Oryzias dancena strains harboring a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter construct regulated by an endogenous ${\beta}$-actin promoter were established and their expression characteristics in relation to transgene copy numbers were examined in 21 transgene genotypes. Most of the transgenic strains displayed transgene insertion patterns typical of microinjection-mediated introduction of foreign DNA into fish embryos, characterized by the random integration of multiple transgene copies (ranging from 1 - 282 copies per cell), often accompanied by the formation of concatemer(s), as assessed by genomic Southern blot hybridization analysis and qPCR. Transgenic strains showed ubiquitous and continued temporal and spatial expression patterns of the transgenic GFP during most of their life cycle, from the embryonic stage to adulthood, enabling assessment of the expression pattern of the endogenous ${\beta}$-actin gene. However, a comparative evaluation of transgene copy numbers and expression levels showed that copy number-dependent expression, the stability of the ubiquitous distribution and expression efficiency per transgene copy varied among the transgenic strains. Fluorescence expression levels were positively correlated with absolute transgene copy numbers, whereas the expression efficiency per transgene copy was inversely related to the number of transgene integrant copies. Data from this study will guide the selection of potentially desirable transgenic strains with ubiquitous expression of a fluorescent transgene, not only in this marine medaka species but also in other related model fish species.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.528-533
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• 1997

Twenty four female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing about 190 g were used to examine changes in muscle cAMP concentrations and steady-state levels of skeletal muscle ${\alpha}$-actin mRNA during chronic administration of cimaterol, a ${\beta}$-adrenergic agonist. Cimaterol was mixed in a powdered rat diet at 10 mg/kg diet. At 3 and 21 days after the start of treatment, skeletal muscle and heart samples were collected for the measurement of cAMP concentrations and skeletal muscle ${\alpha}$-actin mRNA levels. Cimaterol increased (p < 0.01) body weight gain gradually during the first seven days of the trial period, but not thereafter. Most skeletal muscle weights and the ratio of muscle weight to body weight were increased (p < 0.05) by cimaterol treatment both at 3 and 21 days. Heart weight was also increased (p < 0.05) by cimaterol treatment at 3 and 21 days, but the ratio of heart weight to body weight was increased (p < 0.05) only at 3 day. Cimaterol decreased (p < 0.05) cAMP concentration of gastrocnemius muscle at both 3 and 21 days after treatment. However, cimaterol tended (p = 0.07) to increase cAMP concentration at 3 days in the heart. Cimaterol tended (p = 0.08) to increase the steady-state level of ${\alpha}$-actin mRNA by 60% in gastrocnemius muscle at 3 days but had no effect at 21 days. The results indicate that the pattern of hypertrophic response to chronic dietary administration of cimaterol is different between cardiac and skeletal muscle. In skeletal muscles it appears that the hypertrophy induced by cimaterol is partly due to stimulated myofibrillar protein synthesis at a pre-translational level.