• ALGAE
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.85-91
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• 2009

The filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. Strain PCC 7120 produces a developmental patten of single hete- rocysts separated by approximately 10 vegetative cells. Heterocysts differentiate from vegetative cells and are spe- cialized for nitrogen fixation. The patS gene, which encodes a small peptide that inhibits heterocyst differentiation, is expressed in proheterocysts and plays a critical role in establishing the heterocyst pattem. Another key regulator of heterocyst development is the hetR gene. hetR mutants fail to produce heterocysts and extra copies of hetR on a plas- mid cause a multiple contiguous heterocyst phenotype. To elucidate the relationship between these two counter act- ing factors in the genetic regulatory pathway during heterocyst differentiation, the expression patterns of a patS-gfp and a hetR-gfp fusion were examined in a patS deletion and a hetR deletion strain. The results, in combination with the result from a hetR and patS double deletion strain, suggest patS and hetR are mutually antagonistic and the bal- ance between these two factors in tow different cell types (heterocysts and vegetative cells) may be critical during the decision making process on their cell fates.

• BMB Reports
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• v.56 no.8
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• pp.417-425
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• 2023

In various organisms, the Hippo signaling pathway has been identified as a master regulator of organ size determination and tissue homeostasis. The Hippo signaling coordinates embryonic development, tissue regeneration and differentiation, through regulating cell proliferation and survival. The YAP and TAZ (YAP/TAZ) act as core transducers of the Hippo pathway, and they are tightly and exquisitely regulated in response to various intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli. Abnormal regulation or genetic variation of the Hippo pathway causes a wide range of human diseases, including cancer. Recent studies have revealed that Hippo signaling plays a pivotal role in the immune system and cancer immunity. Due to pathophysiological importance, the emerging role of Hippo signaling in blood cell differentiation, known as hematopoiesis, is receiving much attention. A number of elegant studies using a genetically engineered mouse (GEM) model have shed light on the mechanistic and physiological insights into the Hippo pathway in the regulation of hematopoiesis. Here, we briefly review the function of Hippo signaling in the regulation of hematopoiesis and immune cell differentiation.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.673-676
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• 2013

• Korean Journal Plant Pathology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.157-163
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• 1998

Genetic diversity among 27 isolates of Rhizoctonia solani, which were obtained from diseased crops in Korea and classified into 9 intraspecific groups by anastomosis test and cultural characteristics, was studied by PCR-RFLP. Gene regions of nuclear 17S ribosomal DNA and internal transcribed spacers including 5.8S rDNA of the isolates were amplified with polymerase chain reaction and digested with 12 restriction enzymes. Differences of restriction patterns were not shown among isolates within each intraspecific groups, however, each anastomosis group and culturala type sowed unique restriction fragment length polymorphisms by restriction patterns using HaeIII, Cfr13I and MspI. The results suggest that PCR-FRLP of rDNA using three restriction enzymes could be used to differentiate intraspecific groups of Rhizoctonia solani in Korea.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.15-29
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• 2024

The development and differentiation of endothelial cells (ECs) are fundamental processes with significant implications for both health and disease. ECs, which are found in all organs and blood vessels, play a crucial role in facilitating nutrient and waste exchange and maintaining proper vessel function. Understanding the intricate signaling pathways involved in EC development holds great promise for enhancing vascularization, tissue engineering, and vascular regeneration. Hematopoietic stem cells originating from hemogenic ECs, give rise to diverse immune cell populations, and the interaction between ECs and immune cells is vital for maintaining vascular integrity and regulating immune responses. Dysregulation of vascular development pathways can lead to various diseases, including cancer, where tumor-specific ECs promote tumor growth through angiogenesis. Recent advancements in single-cell genomics and in vivo genetic labeling have shed light on EC development, plasticity, and heterogeneity, uncovering tissue-specific gene expression and crucial signaling pathways. This review explores the potential of ECs in various applications, presenting novel opportunities for advancing vascular medicine and treatment strategies.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.14-25
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• 2022

Glia have been known for its pivotal roles in physiological and pathological conditions in the nervous system. To study glial biology, multiple approaches have been applied to utilize glial cells for research, including stem cell-based technologies. Human glial cells differentiated from pluripotent stem cells are now available, allowing us to study the structural and functional roles of glia in the nervous system, although the efficiency is still low. Direct conversion is an advanced strategy governing fate conversion of diverse cell types directly into the desired lineage. This novel strategy stands as a promising approach for preliminary research and regenerative medicine. Direct conversion employs genetic and environmental cues to change cell fate to that with the required functional cell properties while retaining maturity-related molecular features. As an alternative method, it is now possible to obtain a variety of mature cell populations that could not be obtained using conventional differentiation methods. This review summarizes current achievements in obtaining glia, particularly oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.85-91
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• 2007

Dlx3 is a homeodomain protein and is known to playa role in development and differentiation of many tissues. Deletion of four base pairs in DLX3 (NT3198) is causally related to tricho-dento-osseous (TDO) syndrome (OMIM # 190320), a genetic disorder manifested by taurodontism, hair abnormalities, and increased bone density in the cranium. Although the observed defects of TDO syndrome involves bone, little is known about the role of Dlx3 in bone remodeling process. In this study, we examined the effect of wild type DLX3 (wtDlx3) expression on osteoclast differentiation and compared it with that of 4-BP DEL DLX3 (TDO mtDlx3). To examine whether Dlx3 is expressed during RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation, RAW264.7 cells were cultured in the presence of receptor activator of nuclear factor-B ligand (RANKL). Dlx3 protein level increased slightly after RANKL treatment for 1 day and peaked when the fusion of prefusion osteoclasts actively progressed. When wtDlx3 and TDO mtDlx3 were overexpressed in RAW264.7 cells, they enhanced RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and the expression of osteoclast differentiation marker genes such as calcitonin receptor, vitronectin receptor and cathepsin K. Since osteoclast differentiation is critically regulated by the balance between RANKL and osteoprotegerin (OPG), we examined the effect of Dlx3 overexpression on expression of RANKL and OPG in C2C12 cells in the presence of bone morphogenetic protein 2. Overexpression of wtDlx3 enhanced RANKL mRNA expression while slightly suppressed OPG expression. However, TDO mtDlx3 did not exert significant effects. This result suggests that inability of TDO mtDlx3 to regulate expression of RANKL and OPG may contribute to increased bone density in TDO syndrome patients. Taken together, it is suggested that Dlx3 playa role as a positive regulator of osteoclast differentiation via up-regulation of osteoclast differentiation-associated genes in osteoclasts, as well as via increasing the ratio of RANKL to OPG in osteoblastic cells.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.25 no.9
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• pp.1223-1228
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• 2012

The population sizes of three Korean indigenous cattle populations have been drastically reduced over the past decades. In this study, we examined the extent to which reduction in populations influenced genetic diversity, population structure and demographic history using complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences. The complete mtDNA control region was sequenced in 56 individuals from Korean Black (KB), Jeju Black (JEB) and Korean Brindle (BRI) cattle populations. We included 27 mtDNA sequences of Korean Brown (BRO) from the GenBank database. Haplotype diversity estimate for the total population was high (0.870) while nucleotide diversity was low (0.004). The KB showed considerably low nucleotide (${\pi}$ = 0.001) and haplotype (h = 0.368) diversities. Analysis of molecular variance revealed a low level of genetic differentiation but this was highly significant (p<0.001) among the cattle populations. Of the total genetic diversity, 7.6% was attributable to among cattle populations diversity and the rest (92.4%) to differences within populations. The mismatch distribution analysis and neutrality tests revealed that KB population was in genetic equilibrium or decline. Indeed, unless an appropriate breeding management practice is developed, inbreeding and genetic drift will further impoverish genetic diversity of these cattle populations. Rational breed development and conservation strategy is needed to safeguard these cattle population.

• Animal Systematics, Evolution and Diversity
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.233-246
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• 1997

A genetic analysis using starch gel electrophoresis was performed to clarify the degrees of genetic differentiation and the phylogenetic relationships among four species of the genus Corbicula (Bivalvia, Corbiculidae). The average genetic similarity coefficients among the populations of each species on C. fluminea, C. leana and C. colorata were very closed (Rogers' S$\geq$0.970), whereas the other C. japonica was separated into two genetic groups (S=0.873) with distinct allelic difference at the Gpl locus. Thuefore additional taxonomic studies are needed on this species. On the other hand, these four species were well distinguished from each other genetically with distinct allelic differences at 4 to 9 loci. The genetic similarity coefficients (S) between C. leana and C. colorata, C. fluminea and C. leana, and C. fluminea and C. colorata were 0.737, 0.689, and 0.594, respectively. In particular, the average genetic similarity coefficients between these three species (inhabiting in freshwater) and the other C. japonica (inhabiting in brackishwater) were notably lower (S=0.370).

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.112-120
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• 2001

Genetic diversity of 47 East-Asian vegetable soybean was characterized by means of agro-morphological traits and RAPD markers. A field trial was conducted to evaluate 14 agro-morphological traits. To study RAPD-based DNA analysis, a total of sixty 10-mer random primers were screened. Of these, 23 polymorphic markers in 16 varieties used for screening. Among 207 markers amplified, 48 were polymorphic for at least one pairwise comparison within the 47 varieties. A higher differentiation level between varieties was observed by using RAPD markers compared to morphological markers. Correspondence analysis using both types of marker showed that RAPD data could fully discriminate between all varieties, whereas morphological markers could not achieve a complete discrimination. Genetic distances between the varieties were estimated from simple matching coefficients, ranged from 0.0 to 0.640 with an average of 0.295$\pm$0.131 for morphological traits and 0.042 to 0.625 with an average of 0.336$\pm$0.099 for RAPD data, respectively. Cluster analysis based on genetic dissimilarity of these varieties gave rise to 4 distinct groups. The clustering results based on RAPDs did not match with those based on morphological traits. Geographical distribution of most varieties in each of the groups were not well defined. The results suggested that the level of genetic diversity within this group of East-Asian vegetable soybean varieties was sufficient for a breeding program and can be used to establish genetic relationships among them with unknown or unrelated pedigrees.