• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.50 no.1
• /
• pp.137-147
• /
• 2017

The identity of toxin producers remains only hypothesis unless there were identified by strain isolation and analytical confirmation of both the cyanotoxin production and the genetic identity of the monoculture. The purposes of this study were to identify a morphologic and phylogenetic classification in Aphanizomenon flos-aquae strains isolated from the Nakdong River and to investigate the potential ability of the strains to produce toxins such as saxitoxin and cylindrospermopsin using target genes. The 16S rRNA and sxtA, sxtI, cyrA, cyrJ genes were analyzed on two strains (DGUC001, DGUC003) isolated from the Nakdong River. Morphological features of the strains were observed a shape of aggregated trichomes in parallel fascicles which can reach up to macroscopic size and a hyaline terminal cell without aerotope. In addition, the 16S rRNA phylogenetic analyses showed that the strains were identified as the same species with high genetic similarity of 98.4% and grouped within a monospecific andsupported cluster I of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae selected from GenBank of the NCBI. The cyrA and cyrJ genes encoding for the cylindrospermopsin-biosynthesis were not detected in the present study. The sxtA gene was in detected both the two strains, whereas the sxtI gene which had been suggested as a suitable molecular marker to detect saxitoxin-producing cyanobacteria was not found both the strains. Thus, the two strains isolated from Nakdong River were identified as the same species of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae Ralfs ex Bornet et Flahault 1888, the two strains were confirmed as potential non-producing strains of the saxitoxin and cylindrospermopsin.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Food Science of Animal Resources Conference
• /
• 2000.11a
• /
• pp.59-75
• /
• 2000

This study was carried out to develop a DNA marker for identifying between Korean cattle (Hanwoo) and other breeds. First experiment was performed to isolate Hanwoo specific DNA marker at sequence characterized amplified regions (SCARs). Five breeds of cattle including Hanwoo, Holstein, Hereford, Angus and Charolais were represented with the from 8 to 20 individuals. Fourteen primers of 300 arbitrary primers of 10 nucleotides showed reproducible polymorphism across the breeds. An amplified band of 0.9 kb in the primer MG-3 showed the specificity to Holstein breed. And MG-6 and MG-12 detected the Hereford and Hanwoo specific markers at the size of 2.0 kb and 1.0 kb, respectively. A 1.0 kb band of MG-12 was cloned and sequenced. A SCAR primer was designed based on the obtained sequences. It was possible to identify the Hanwoo from Holstein breed. Second experiment was carried out to observe the genotype frequencies of MC1R in 1,044 samples of imported beef and eight different cattle breeds including Hanwoo, Holstein, Angus, Brown-Swiss, Charolais, Limousin, Simmental and Hereford. The primers for the amplification of bovine MC1R gene were designed based on a bovine MC1R gene sequence (GenBank accession no.Y19103). A size of 350 bp was amplified by polymerase chain reaction(PCR), digested with two different restriction enzyme, BsrFI and MspA II, and electrophoresed in 2.5% Metaphore agarose gel for determination of genotypes. Genotype frequencies of Hanwoo were 0.10 in E+e and 0.90 in ee. Allele ED was shown in all of Holstein and Angus breeds tested which have black coat color phenotypes. We suggested that SCAR marker and the bovine MC1R gene could be used as a DNA marker for distinguishing beef between Hanwoo and Holstein.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.161-167
• /
• 2003

Identification of salmonellosis-infected commercial poultry flocks has become a pivotal component of efforts to reduce incidence of egg-associated transmission of S. enteritidis and S. typhimurium to humans. As a basic study for sanitary control of S. enteritidis and S. typhimurium, main food-borne pathogenic bacteria in eggs produced by domestic hens, commercial egg samples were tested for specific antibodies to whole cells of S. enteritidis and S. typhimurium and outer membrane protein(OMP) of S. typhimurium by ELISA to detect infection of S. enteritidis and S. typhimurium in various groups of hens. When the antibody titers of yolks from three commercial brand eggs were tested after diluting in the ratio from 1:100 to 1:1,600 with double dilution method, ELISA values of the specific antibodies could be shown as differences in dilution patterns by comparing with negative control egg. When the antibody titers of the yolks from two commercial brand eggs were tested after diluting in the ratio of 1:200 and 1:1,000, ELISA values of specific antibodies were different among same brand eggs. When the antibody titers of yolks from five eggs sampled randomly from twenty one commercial brand eggs were tested after diluting in the ratio of 1:1,000, ELISA value of the specific antibodies were shown generally high. ELISA values of 28.5, 30, and 28.5% of yolks from 21 brand eggs were shown low and similar to negative control egg in antibody titers to whole cells of S. enteritidis and S. typhimurium and OMP of S. typhimurium, respectively. The results demonstrated that ELISA test of egg yolk antibody could provide a highly sensitive indicator to detect contamination of S. typhimurium and S. enteritidis in poultry, and could be used effectively to reduce incidence of S. typhimurium and S. enteritidis infection in poultry.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.17 no.2 s.82
• /
• pp.167-173
• /
• 2007

To study the transcriptional mechanisms by which expression of the murine glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor inducible transcription factor (mGIF) gene is regulated, a murine genomic clone was iso-lated using a mGIF cDNA as probe. A 13-kb genomic fragment, which comprises 4-kb upstream of the transcription initiation site was sequenced. The promoter region lacks a TATA box and CAAT box, is rich in G+C content, and has multiple putative binding sites for the transcription factor Spl. The mGIF gene also has consensus sequences for AP2 binding sites. The transcriptional activity of five deletion mutants of a 2.1-kb fragment was analyzed by modulating transcription of the heterologous luciferase gene in the promoterless plasmid pGL2-Basic. All mutants showed significant transcriptional activity in the murine neuroblastoma cell line NB41A3. Transient expression assays suggested the presence of a positive regulator between -213 and -129 while a negative regulator was found in the region between -806 and -214. Relatively strong transcriptional activity was observed in neuronal NB41A3, glial C6 cells and hepatic HepG2, but very weak activity in skeletal muscle C2C12 cells. These findings confirm the tissue-specific activity of the mGIF promoter and suggest that this gene shares structural and functional similarities with the dopamine receptor genes that it regulates.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.21 no.3
• /
• pp.385-392
• /
• 2011

The otter (Lutra lutra) in Korea is classified as a first grade endangered species and is managed under state control. We performed a phylogenetic analysis of the otter that inhabits the Changnyeong, Jinju, and Geoje areas in Gyeongsangnamdo, Korea using mtDNA and microsatellite (MS) markers. As a result of the analysis using the 676-bp D-loop sequence of mtDNA, six haplotypes were estimated from five single nucleotide polymorphisms. The genetic distance between the Jinju and Geoje areas was greater than distances within the areas, and the distance between Jinju and Geoje was especially clear. From the phylogenetic tree estimated using the Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo analysis by the MrBays program, two subgroups, one containing samples from Jinju and the other containing samples from the Changnyeong and Geoje areas were clearly identified. The result of a parsimonious median-joining network analysis also showed two clear subgroups, supporting the result of the phylogenetic analysis. On the other hand, in the consensus tree estimated using the genetic distances estimated from the genotypes of 13 MS markers, there were clear two subgroups, one containing samples from the Jinju, Geoje and Changnyeong areas and the other containing samples from only the Jinju area. The samples were not identically classified into each subgroup defined by mtDNA and MS markers. It could be inferred that the differential classification of samples by the two different marker systems was because of the different characteristics of the marker systems used, that is, the mtDNA was for detecting maternal lineage and the MS markers were for estimating autosomal genetic distances. Nonetheless, the results from the two marker systems showed that there has been a progressive genetic fixation according to the habitats of the otters. Further analyses using not only newly developed MS markers that will possess more analytical power but also the whole mtDNA are needed. Expansion of the phylogenetic analysis using otter samples collected from the major habitats in Korea should be helpful in scientifically and efficiently maintaining and preserving them.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.103-112
• /
• 2010

Pemetrexed has demonstrated clinical activity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as well as other solid tumors. It transports into the cells via reduced folate carrier (RFC) and is polyglutamated by folypolyglutamate synthetase (FPGS). Pemetrexed directly inhibits several folate-dependent enzymes such as thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GARFT). We investigated the effects of genetic variations and the expression of RFC, FPGS, TS and DHFR enzymes on drug sensitivity to pemetrexed in NSCLC cells. Polymorphisms in RFC, FPGS, and DHFR were genotyped in four NSCLC cells - A549, PC14, HCC-1588, and H226. Real-time RT-PCR and Western blot was performed to evaluate mRNA transcripts and protein of these genes. The cytotoxicity of pemetrexed was measured by SRB assay. In PC14 and H226 cells, increased mRNA expressions of RFC and FPGS were associated with higher cytotoxicity to pemetrexed. 2R/2R genotype of TS and its increased mRNA expression were associated with drug resistance to pemetrexed in A549 cells, whereas 3R/3R genotype in TS with decreased mRNA expression was associated with higher sensitivity in H226 cells. After pemetrexed treatment, an inverse change of DHFR mRNA and protein expression was found. The strongest linkage disequilibrium (LD) was discovered between-1726C>T and -1188A>C SNP of DHFR gene. Our findings suggest the cytotoxic effect of pemetrexed may be associated with genetic polymorphisms and the expression level of genes involved in pemetrexed metabolisms in NSCLC cells.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.27 no.2
• /
• pp.202-210
• /
• 2017

As an effort to find a potential biopreservative, we isolated bacterial strains producing bacteriocin from fermented foods. A strain was finally selected and characteristics of the bacteriocin were investigated. The selected strain was identified as Bacillus subtilis E9-1 based on the 16S rRNA gene analysis. The culture supernatant of B. subtilis E9-1 showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Subtilisin A, ${\alpha}$-chymotrypsin, trypsin and proteinase K inactivated the antimicrobial activity, which means its proteinaceous nature, a bacteriocin. The bacteriocin activity was fully retained at the pH range from 2.0 to 8.0 and stable at up to $100^{\circ}C$ for 60 min. Solvents such as ethanol, isopropanol and methanol had no effect on the antimicrobial activity at the concentration of 100% but acetone and acetonitrile reduced the activity at up to 100% concentration. Cell growth of four indicator strains was dramatically decreased in dose-dependent manner. Listeria monocytogenes was the most sensitive, but Enterococcus faecium was the most resistant. Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus showed the medium sensitivity. The bacteriocin showed its antimicrobial activity against B. cereus and L. monocytogenes via bactericidal action. The number of viable cells of L. monocytogenes started to reduce after addition of bacteriocin to the minced beef. The bacteriocin was purified through acetone concentration, gel filtration chromatography and RP-HPLC. The whole purification step led to a 6.82 fold increase in the specific activity and 6% yield of bacteriocin activity. The molecular weight of the purified bacteriocin was determined to be 3.3 kDa by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry.

• Food Science and Preservation
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.443-451
• /
• 2015

This study was carried out to investigate the quality characteristics and identification of acetic acid bacteria for black waxy rice vinegar. Eight (8) strains of acetic acid bacteria were isolated for the production of acetic acid and their acidities were then compared with commercial acetic acid bacteria. Among them, F1, H4, and two types of commercial bacteria (four best strains by vinegar zymogen) were selected. After analyzing the 16S rRNA sequence, both F1 and H4 strains were identified as acetobacter genus. Therefore, the F-1 and H-4 strains were named as Acetobacter sp. F-1 and Acetobacter sp. H-4, respectively. Acidity of black waxy rice vinegar during fermentation was steadily increased up to 16 days and the acidity was then constant. Total acidity content was higher when used FV-1 strain. In the results of Hunter's color value of black waxy vinegar, L value was at 75.01 to 80.11, while (+a) value was at 3.34 to 3.92, and (+b) value was at 12.84 to 18.09. The major organic acid of the black waxy vinegar was acetic acid. The total organic acid content was high when used H-4, F-1, C-2 and C-1 strains. The total free amino acid content of the black waxy vinegar by strain was the highest (351.43 mg%) of F-1 vinegar strain, and the lowest (247.74 mg%) of C-2 vinegar strain. A sensory evaluation of black waxy vinegar indicated that F-1 vinegar strain was better than the other samples in aspect of flavor, color, and overall preference.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.31 no.5
• /
• pp.444-454
• /
• 2017

There are many ongoing studies of infectious diseases as the major factor responsible for global declining of the amphibian population. Although some point out the amphibian rearing facilities like frog farms as one of the important sources of harboring and spreading amphibian infectious pathogens in the wild, there have been few related studies in South Korea. In this study, we investigated the bacterial and fungal colonies on the skin and in the internal organs of frogs and tadpoles collected inside and outside of Dybowski's brown frog farms in Inje, Goesan, and Gongju to compare the difference according to the region and between inside and outside the farm. We also intended to classify the bacteria collected from the tadpoles into species by analyzing 16s rDNA gene sequences. The result showed that the number of bacterial colonies found in the skin and gut of frogs and the number of fungal colonies found in the skin and liver of frogs collected in Goesan was significantly greater than those in the frogs in Inje. However, there was no difference between the frogs collected inside and outside of farms in both regions. In the case of tadpoles, the number of fungal colonies in the tadpoles collected from Gongju was greater than that in the tadpoles collected from Inje. The comparison of inside and outside frog farms showed that there were more bacterial colonies on the skin of the tadpoles collected from inside than outside the frog farm in Inje and more bacterial colonies in the organs of the tadpoles collected from outside than inside the farm in Gongju. The frogs with higher condition factor (body weight/snout-vent length*100) showed fewer bacterial colonies on the skin and fewer fungal colonies in the heart, but there were no significant relationships in tadpoles. We identified the total of 15 genera and four phyla of bacteria, but the difference according to regions and between inside and outside farm was not evident. The result of this study indicates that the different conditions according to the locality of farm and between inside and outside farm cause the difference in the population sizes of bacterial and fungal colonies and that it can affect the overall health condition of Dybowski's brown frogs in the farm. Moreover, the result suggests that effective disease control in the facility is greatly necessary to ensure successful operation of amphibian rearing facility and to prevent the possible spread of diseases from the facility to the wild.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.336-344
• /
• 2010

To assess population structure and genetic diversity among the Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus), we investigated mtDNA COI gene sequences of 7 populations. Samples were obtained from Sokcho, Wolsung, Geojedo, Yeosu, Geomundo and Westsouth in 2008 and 2009 (n=28). The sequence analysis of 28 individual samples showed 8 haplotypes, ranging in sequence divergence by pairwise comparisons from 0.2 to 2.2% (1 bp-11 bp). The Gal haplotype was found in Wolsung, Geojedo, Yeosu, Geomundo and Westsouth, and was regarded as the main haplotype of Korean Pacific cod. Ga2, Ga3, Ga6 and Ga7 haplotypes were found only in Sokcho. In the PHYLIP analysis, 8 haplotypes formed two independent groups: cladeA consisted of Ga2, Ga3, Ga6 and Ga7 haplotypes, whereas cladeB contained Gal, Ga4, Ga5 and Ga8 haplotypes. The genetic relationship between the two groups was weakly supported by bootstrap analysis(<50%). In pairwise comparisons between 6 populations other than that from Sokcho, a very high per generation migration ratio ($N_m$=infinite) and a very low level of geographic distance ($F_{sr}=-0.0123-(-0.0423)$) were observed. The estimates of genetic distance between Sokcho and the other localities were all statistically significant (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001), indicating a limited mtDNA-based gene flow between Sokcho and other regions. The finding of the lowest genetic diversity in the Sokcho population (nucleotide diversity=0.00589) may be a result of relatively small population size and interrupted gene flow to other localities. Consequently, the overall considerable migration of Pacific cod population in Korea caused a genetically homogeneous structure to form, although a distinct population was found in this study.