• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.137-142
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• 2019

Gene edited crops can be classified as SDN-1, SDN-2 and SDN-3 group depending on their mutation's range and the usage of donor DNA. The SDN-1 and SDN-2 crops, in particular, could be developed as 100% transgene-free, which do not contain any DNA fragment of the vector or guide RNA used for gene editing such as CRISPR Cas9 system. Therefore, there are no scientific methods available for the detection of these crops and differentiation with the one produced by conventional cross breeding techniques. Additionally, it would be impossible to properly implement the existing GMO regulation law, in particular, the national legislation for "GMO labelling". In this regard, Australia has announced that SDN-1 crops will not be subjected to the existing GMO regulation. Furthermore, Argentina and Brazil have established a new policy that GE crops with no transgene (100% transgene-free crops) should be exempted from the scope of the GMO. In addition, Japan has also announced that "an organism that has no remnants of inserted nucleic acid processed extracellularly is not subjected to the Cartagena Act". It means that SDN-2 crops can also be exempted from the scope of GMO. In this trend, in South Korea, I suggested that gene edited crops with no remnants of inserted foreign DNA fragments should be excluded from the existing GMO regulation. Thus, I expect that diverse elite crop lines should be developed by using advanced gene editing technologies

• Experimental and Molecular Medicine
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• v.50 no.12
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• pp.1.1-1.14
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• 2018

DNA methylation is a regulatory mechanism in epigenetics that is frequently altered during human carcinogenesis. To detect critical methylation events associated with gastric cancer (GC), we compared three DNA methylomes from gastric mucosa (GM), intestinal metaplasia (IM), and gastric tumor (GT) cells that were microscopically dissected from an intestinal-type early gastric cancer (EGC) using methylated DNA binding domain sequencing (MBD-seq) and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) analysis. In this study, we focused on differentially methylated promoters (DMPs) that could be directly associated with gene expression. We detected 2,761 and 677 DMPs between the GT and GM by MBD-seq and RRBS, respectively, and for a total of 3,035 DMPs. Then, 514 (17%) of all DMPs were detected in the IM genome, which is a precancer of GC, supporting that some DMPs might represent an early event in gastric carcinogenesis. A pathway analysis of all DMPs demonstrated that 59 G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) genes linked to the hypermethylated DMPs were significantly enriched in a neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway. Furthermore, among the 59 GPCRs, six GI hormone receptor genes (NPY1R, PPYR1, PTGDR, PTGER2, PTGER3, and SSTR2) that play an inhibitory role in the secretion of gastrin or gastric acid were selected and validated as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis or prognosis of GC patients in two cohorts. These data suggest that the loss of function of gastrointestinal (GI) hormone receptors by promoter methylation may lead to gastric carcinogenesis because gastrin and gastric acid have been known to play a role in cell differentiation and carcinogenesis in the GI tract.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2017.06a
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• pp.13-13
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• 2017

By the progress of genome sequencing, infrastructures for marker-assisted breeding (MAB) of rice came to be established. Fine mapping and gene isolation have been conducted using the breeding materials derived from natural variations and artificial mutants. Such genetic analysis by the genome-wide dense markers provided us the knowledge about the many genes controlling important traits. We identified several genes or quantitative trait loci (QTL) for heading date, blast resistance, eating quality, high-temperature stress tolerance, and so on. NILs of each gene controlling heading date contribute to elongate the rice harvest period. Determination of precise gene location of blast resistance gene pi21, allowed us to overcome linkage drag, co-introduction of undesirable eating quality. We could also breed the first practical rice cultivar in Japan with a brown planthopper resistance gene bph11 in the genetic back-ground of an elite cultivar. Discovery of major and minor QTLs for good eating quality allowed us to fine-tune of eating quality according to the rice planting area or usage of rice grain. Many rice cultivars have bred efficiently by MAB for several traits, or by marker-assisted backcross breeding through chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) using genetically diverse accessions. We are also systematically supporting the crop breeding of other sectors by MAB or by providing resources such as CSSLs. It is possible to pyramid many genes for important traits by using MAB, but is still difficult to improve the yielding ability. We are performing a Genomic Selection (GS) for improvement of rice biomass and grain yield. We are also trying to apply the genome editing technology for high yield rice breeding.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.39-45
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• 2023

As advanced sequencing technologies continue to uncover an increasing number of variants in genes associated with human genetic diseases, there is a growing demand for systematic approaches to assess the impact of these variants on human development, health, and disease. While in silico analyses have provided valuable insights, it is essential to complement these findings with model organism studies to determine the functional consequences of genetic variants in vivo. Drosophila melanogaster is an excellent genetic model for such functional studies due to its efficient genetic technologies, high gene conservation with humans, accessibility to mutant fly resources, short life cycles, and cost-effectiveness. The traditional GAL4-UAS system, allowing precise control of gene expression through binary regulation, is frequently employed to assess the effects of monoallelic variants. Recombinase medicated cassette exchange or CRISPR-Cas9-mediated GAL4 insertion within coding introns or substitution of gene body with Kozak-Gal4 result in the loss-of-function of the target gene. This GAL4 insertion strategy also enables the expression of reference complementary DNA (cDNA) or cDNA carrying genetic variants under the control of endogenous regulatory cis elements. Furthermore, the CRISPR-Cas9-directed tissue-specific knockout and cDNA rescue system provides the flexibility to investigate candidate variants in a tissue-specific and/or developmental-timing dependent manner. In this review, we will delve into the diverse genetic techniques available in Drosophila and their applications in diagnosing and studying numerous undiagnosed diseases over the past decade.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.8
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• pp.701-707
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• 2020

Gene editing technology using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) and the CRISPR associated protein (Cas)9 has been highly anticipated in developing breeding techniques. In this study, we discuss gene scissors as a tool for silkworm molecular breeding through analysis of Bombyx mori Kynurenine 3-Monooxygenase (BmKMO) gene editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and analysis of generational transmission through mutagenesis and selective crossing. The nucleotide sequence of the BmKMO gene was analyzed, and three guide RNAs (gRNAs) were prepared. Each synthesized gRNA was combined with Cas9 protein and then analyzed by T7 endonuclease I after introduction into the BM-N silkworm cell line. To edit the silkworm gene, K1P gRNA and Cas9 complexes were subsequently microinjected into the silkworm embryos; the hatching rate was 18% and the incidence of mutation was 60%. The gene mutation was verified in the heterozygous G0 generation, but no phenotypic change was observed. In homozygotes generated by self-crossing, a mutant phenotype was observed. These results suggest that silkworm molecular breeding using the CRISPR/Cas9 system is possible and could be an effective way of shortening the time required.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.46.1-46.4
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• 2020

We developed the BaSDAS (Barcode-Seq Data Analysis System), a GUI-based pooled knockout screening data analysis system, to facilitate the analysis of pooled knockout screen data easily and effectively by researchers with limited bioinformatics skills. The BaSDAS supports the analysis of various pooled screening libraries, including yeast, human, and mouse libraries, and provides many useful statistical and visualization functions with a user-friendly web interface for convenience. We expect that BaSDAS will be a useful tool for the analysis of genome-wide screening data and will support the development of novel drugs based on functional genomics information.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2022.10a
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• pp.285-285
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• 2022

Recent unpredictable climate change is a major cause of rice yield loss. In particular, methane is a key factor in global warming. Therefore rice breeders are trying to breed the reducing-methane gas emission rice using the crossbreeding method. However, the traditional crossbreeding method takes 8 to 10 years to breed a cultivar, and the anther culture method developed to shorten the breeding cycle also takes 6 to 7 years. On the other hand, CRISPR/Cas9 accurately edits the target trait and can rapidly breed rice cultivars by editing the target trait as a homozygous in 2-3 years. In addition, exogenous genetic elements such as Cas9 can be isolated from the G₁ generation. Therefore, the flowering time was regulated by applying CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and OsCKq1 genome-editing (OsCKq1-G) rice with early flowered and high yield was bred in the field. Genome-editing of OsCKq1 applied CRISPR/Cas9 technology up-regulates the expression of the flowering promotion gene Ehd1 under long-day conditions induces early flowering and increases the yield by increasing the 1,000-grain weight. And as the generations advanced, each agricultural trait indicated a low coefficient of variation. As a result, indicated that OsCKq1 plays an important role in regulating the flowering time and is related to the trait determining yield. Therefore, OsCKq1-G can suggest a breeding strategy for the Net-Zero national policy for reducing-methane gas emission rice by shortening the breeding cycle with the early flowered, and high-yield rice. CRISPR/Cas9 technology is a rapid and accurate breeding technology for breeding rice cultivars with important characteristics.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.38 no.9
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• pp.743-749
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• 2015

Production of genome-edited animals using germline-competent cells and genetic modification tools has provided opportunities for investigation of biological mechanisms in various organisms. The recently reported programmed genome editing technology that can induce gene modification at a target locus in an efficient and precise manner facilitates establishment of animal models. In this regard, the demand for genome-edited avian species, which are some of the most suitable model animals due to their unique embryonic development, has also increased. Furthermore, germline chimera production through longterm culture of chicken primordial germ cells (PGCs) has facilitated research on production of genome-edited chickens. Thus, use of avian germline modification is promising for development of novel avian models for research of disease control and various biological mechanisms. Here, we discuss recent progress in genome modification technology in avian species and its applications and future strategies.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.114-117
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• 2022

Lindera angustifolia is mainly distributed in the temperate climate zone of China but shows an extraordinary distribution, disjunctively isolated on the western coastal islands of Korea. We therefore present the complete chloroplast genome of Korean L. angustifolia. The complete plastome was 152,836 bp in length, with an overall GC content of 39.2%. A large single copy (93,726 bp) and a small single copy (18,946 bp) of the genome were separated by a pair of inverted repeats (20,082 bp). The genome consists of 125 genes, including 81 protein-coding, eight ribosomal RNA, and 36 transfer RNA genes. While five RNA editing genes (psbL, rpl2, ndhB×2, and ndhD) were identified in L. angustifolia from China, the "ndhD" gene was not recognized as an RNA editing site in the corresponding Korean individual. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that Korean L. angustifolia is most closely related to the Chinese L. angustifolia with strong bootstrap support, forming a sister group of L. glauca.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.374-389
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• 2023

Organophosphorus (OP) pesticides, particularly malathion, parathion, diazinon, and chlorpyrifos, are widely used in both agricultural and residential contexts. This refractory quality is shared by certain organ phosphorus insecticides, and it may have unintended consequences for certain non-target soil species. Bioremediation cleans organic and inorganic contaminants using microbes and plants. Organophosphate-hydrolyzing enzymes can transform pesticide residues into non-hazardous byproducts and are increasingly being considered viable solutions to the problem of decontamination. When coupled with system analysis, the multi-omics technique produces important data for functional validation and genetic manipulation, both of which may be used to boost the efficiency of bioremediation systems. RNA-guided nucleases and RNA-guided base editors include zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), which are used to alter genes and edit genomes. The review sheds light on key knowledge gaps and suggests approaches to pesticide cleanup using a variety of microbe-assisted methods. Researches, ecologists, and decision-makers can all benefit from having a better understanding of the usefulness and application of systems biology and gene editing in bioremediation evaluations.