• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.147-151
• /
• 2019

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is grown worldwide for its high protein and oil content. Anthocyanins from black soybean seed coats are known to have many pharmaceutical effects. Soybean cultivars with large seed sizes and black seed coats are needed by soybean farmers. However, antinutritional factors, like protein, stachyose, and Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI) exist in raw mature soybeans. Genetic elimination or reduction of these components is needed in soybean breeding. The objective of this research was to develop new a soybean strain with black seed coats and green cotyledons that was KTI protein free and low in stachyose. Six parents were used. The presence or absence of KTI protein was detected using the Western blot technique. The content of stachyose in mature seeds was detected using HPLC. One new strain was selected from 11 $F_2$ plants with black seed coats and green cotyledons that lacked KTI protein. The new strain had black seed coats and green cotyledons and was KTI protein free and low in stachyose. The plant height of the new strain was 66 cm, and its 100-seed weight was 28.4 g. The stachyose content of the new strain was 2.59 g/kg. The new strain developed in this research will be used to develop new cultivars that are KTI protein free and low in stachyose.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.32 no.8
• /
• pp.1104-1111
• /
• 2019

Objective: The aim of this study was to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54) gene and explore association of this candidate gene with reproductive traits in Jiaxing Black sows. Methods: Six pairs of primers of the gene were designed to amplify all exons thus sequences of which were detected by means of direct sequencing and then SNP loci were scanned. The effects of SNPs on total number of piglets born (TNB), number of piglets born alive (NBA), number of still born piglets (NSB), and litter weight at birth (LWB) of Jiaxing Black sows were analyzed. Results: Three SNP loci, including T3739C, C3878T and T6789C, were identified via comparison of sequencing and two genotypes (AB, BB) at each SNP site were observed. T3739C resulted in the change of amino acid ($Leu{\rightarrow}Pro$) in corresponding protein, and C3878T resulted in synonymous mutation ($Ile{\rightarrow}Ile$). Statistical results demonstrated that allele B was the preponderant allele at the three SNP loci and Genotype BB was the preponderant genotype. Meanwhile, Chi-Square test of these three SNPs indicated that all mutation sites fitted in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p>0.05). For GPR54-T3739C locus, Jiaxing Black sows with genotype BB had 1.23 TNB and 1.28 NBA (p<0.01) that were more than those with genotype AB, respectively. Jiaxing Black sows that had the first two parities with genotype BB had additional 2.23 TNB, 2.27 NBA (p<0.01), and 1.94 LWB (p<0.05) compared to those with genotype AB, respectively. However, for other two loci, no significant difference was found between TNB, NBA, NSB, and LWB, and different genotypes of Jiaxing Black sows. Conclusion: In conclusion, the polymorphisms of GPR54-T3739C locus were significantly associated to TNB, NBA, and LWB and could be used as a potential genetic marker to improve reproductive function of Jiaxing black sows.

• Korean Journal of Breeding Science
• /
• v.50 no.4
• /
• pp.378-386
• /
• 2018

GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR (GRF) genes encode plant-specific transcription factors and play critical roles in regulating the growth and development of lateral organs. In order to explore the agricultural potential of Brassica rapa GRF genes (BrGRFs), we constructed two BrGRF-overexpressing B. napus plants (BrGRF3-1OX and -9OX). BrGRF3-1OX and -9OX developed larger cotyledons, leaves, and seeds than the wild type. The increased organs' sizes were due to increases in cell number, but not due to cell size alterations. RT-PCR analysis revealed that BrGRFs regulated the expression of a wide range of genes that are involved in gibberellin-, auxin-, cell division-related growth processes. Taken together, our data indicate that BrGRFs act as positive regulators of B. napus growth, thus raising the possibility that they may serve as a useful genetic source for crop improvement with respect to organ size and seed production.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.248-255
• /
• 2021

Mammary gland tumors are one of the most common cancers in female dogs, and there are various types of cells depending on the tumor type. Complex carcinoma consists of a combination of luminal epithelial and myoepithelial cells with intra-tumoral heterogeneity. However, the origins of these tumor cells and their effects on the malignancies of tumors have not been identified. Recently, it has been reported that cancer stem cells, identified in several types of human tumors, are involved in tumor heterogeneity and may also contribute to malignancies such as tumor recurrence and metastasis. Interestingly, cancer stem cells share several abilities of self-renewal and cell differentiation into multiple types of cancer cells, but they have abnormal genetic mutation and signal transduction pathways to regulate the maintenance of stem cell characters. Moreover, it is known that these cell populations contribute to cell metastasis as well as cell resistance against chemo- and radio-therapeutics that promote tumor recurrence. The existence of cancer stem cells might explain the intra-tumoral heterogeneity and cancer aggressiveness during tumorigenesis in canine mammary gland tumors. This review summarizes the characteristics and types of canine mammary gland tumors, the definition of tumor stem cells, methods of isolation, and clinical significance.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.62 no.6
• /
• pp.777-789
• /
• 2020

Intense artificial selection has been imposed to Luzhong mutton sheep population in the past years. Improvements on growth and reproductive performance are two breeding goals in the present herd. Although some progresses were phenotypically observed possibly due to inbreeding induced by strong selection in terms of these traits, the genomic evaluation was poorly understood. Therefore, a high-density SNP array was used to characterize the pattern of runs of homozygosity (ROH), estimate inbreeding and inbreeding depressions on early growth performance and litter size based upon ROH, and scan positive selection signatures of recent population. Consequently, a low inbreeding level was observed which had negative effects on litter size, but not on early growth performance. And 160 genes were under selection, of which some were reported to be linked to several traits of sheep including body weight, litter size, carcass and meat quality, milk yield and composition, fiber quality and health, and the top genes were associated with growth (growth hormone [GH]- growth hormone receptor [GHR]- Insulin-like growth factor 1 [IGF1] axis) and litter size (bone morphogenic proteins [BMPs]-associated). The effectiveness of previous breeding measures was highlighted, but purging selection was proposed to alleviate the inbreeding depression on litter size, providing some genomic insights to breeding management of Luzhong mutton sheep.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
• /
• v.47 no.2
• /
• pp.107-121
• /
• 2021

Skin hypopigmentation, which is observed in albinism or vitiligo, occurs when melanin synthesis is decreased by genetic, epigenetic, and other factors. To identify drug candidates that can promote melanin synthesis in cells, we screened an epigenetic modulator library consisting of 141 cell-permeable, small molecule drugs. B16/F10 murine melanoma cells were treated with each drug at 0.1 𝜇M and melanin synthesis and cell viability were subsequently monitored. As a result, (-)-neplanocin A, 3-deazaneplanocin A (DZNep), and DZNep hydrochloride were found to increase cellular melanin synthesis without causing cytotoxicity. Because these three structurally related drugs exhibited similar dose-dependent effects on melanin synthesis and cell viability, DZNep was selected as a representative drug for additional experiments. DZNep increased intracellular melanin content and tyrosinase (TYR) activity. DZNep also induced the expression of TYR, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1), and dopachrome tautomerase (DCT) at the mRNA and protein levels. DZNep also induced the mRNA and protein expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), a key regulator of melanin synthesis. DZNep is a specific inhibitor of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase and it caused the accumulation of S-adenosylhomocysteine that inhibits histone methyltransferases in cells. This study suggests that melanogenesis can be modulated by targeting S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase in certain cellular contexts.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
• /
• v.44 no.4
• /
• pp.227-237
• /
• 2021

Artificial insemination of Korean native cattle (KNC) is the predominant method for breed improvement. However, industrialization of embryo production and transfer is necessary to utilize the genetic potential of KNC. The aim of this study was to examine associations between KNC donor cows and ovum pick-up (OPU) conditions, in-vivo oocyte recovery, and embryo development. Oocyte recovery and blastocyst development rates were higher at 50 and 60 mmHg OPU vacuum pressure than at 40 mmHg, which was, however, not significant. Regarding follicle growth, injection of 500 ㎍ GnRH 36 hours before OPU significantly increased the number of OPU oocytes from an average of 4.6 to 7.6 (P<0.05); no significant difference in embryo development rates was observed. Significant differences were observed in the numbers of OPU oocytes, embryo development rates, and transplantable blastocysts per individual among nine KNC donors (P<0.05). Furthermore, although there was no difference in OPU oocyte recovery intervals in approximately 2~8 weeks, the number of recovered oocytes significantly decreased at the 12-week interval (P<0.05); there was no difference in embryo development rates. The number of oocytes and embryonic development rates only tended to decrease until the seventh OPU session, but decreased significantly until the eighth session (P<0.05). The average pregnancy rate after transfer of OPU-derived in-vitro embryos into recipient cows was 41.8%. To improve the efficiency of OPU egg recovery and in-vitro embryo production, considering KNC donor characteristics, vacuum pressure of 60 mmHg, GnRH pretreatment to induce follicle growth, and effective OPU egg recovery up to seven times at intervals of 2~4 weeks appears to be most suitable. This study may facilitate the industrialization of KNC embryo production and transfer using high-quality cows.

• Journal of Naturopathy
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.62-70
• /
• 2020

Purpose: According to the Body-EU education program, this study investigates changes after conducting education with ten subjects with autism symptoms (disability level 2~3) 63 times (126 hours) for nearly two years. Methods: Body-EU habit practice, note writings discussion, singing, Bible study, question and communication, class arrangement, etc., a total of 63 times were educated for 2 hours each week. Results: Subjects felt comfortable breathing and improved energy. Other subject's habit of an out-toed gait step and bending back alleviated. One subject made it easier to speak, so if talking with no strength. When breathing, the stuffy nose improved, the eyes became calm, and the hands and feet were warm. Subject felt like my head was cleaned. Heart tightness disappeared. Subject felt at ease as gaining confidence. The subject gained confidence in seeing whoever the other person was. The subject's pronunciation became more sophisticated, with more confidence, and his mouth cramping alleviated. Subjects with right eye movements showed a relatively high concentration in education time. Conclusions: Subjects are educated and trained in making general habits of their body from morning to going to bed. This study was a research program for ordinary people, but it confirmed with autism. Whether it was genetic autism or acquired autism, they could be somewhat relieved.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
• /
• v.33 no.1
• /
• pp.83-89
• /
• 2022

Since the pandemic of COVID-19, active investigation to develop immunity to infectious disease by delivering nucleic acids has been proceeded. Particularly, many studies have been conducted on non-viral vector as several vital side-effects which were found on nucleic acid delivery system using viral vectors. In this study, we have developed plasmid DNA (pDNA) loaded-hyaluronic acid derivative (HA) coated-polyethyleneimine (PEI) based polyplex for enhanced nucleic acid delivery efficiency. We have optimized the ratio of pDNA : PEI : HA by measuring size and protein transcription efficiency. The final product, polyplex-HA, was characterized through measuring size, zeta-potential and TEM image. Intracellular uptake and protein transcription efficiency were compared to commercially available transfection reagent, lipofectamine, through fluorescence image and flow cytometry. In conclusion, polyplex-HA presents a novel gene delivery system for efficient and stable protein transcription since it is available for delivering various genetic materials and has less immunoreactivity.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.32 no.10
• /
• pp.771-777
• /
• 2022

Dopaminergic (DA) cell death in Parkinson's disease (PD) has been attributed to multiple, distinct genetic and environmental factors. In rare familial PD loss of parkin function mutations play a key role in nigral DA neuron-specific pathogenesis primarily via endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In more prevalent sporadic PD, environmental exposure to pesticides has a significant epidemiological role. However, it is largely unknown how environmental exposure to xenobiotics is etiologically linked with the known etiology in familial PD. In the present study biochemical evidence for a common pathogenic mechanism between sporadic and familial PD has been identified employing the recently characterized mesencephalic DA cell line, N27-A. Dieldrin, an organochlorine pesticide epidemiologically implicated in sporadic PD, induced the markers of ER stress response such as a chaperone BiP/Grp78, heme oxygenase-1 and especially, parkin. Accordingly, dieldrin activated the ER resident Caspase-12, a mediator of ER stress-specific apoptosis, during cell death of N27-A cells. Of great interest the dieldrin-induced DA neuronal cell death was synergistically rescued by the overexpression of ER resident neuroprotective proteins, parkin and Bcl-2. The present findings implicate that accumulation of ER stress could be one of common pathogenic mechanisms in idiopathic and familial PD, and some ER proteins, such as parkin and Bcl-2 may effectively attenuate ER stress-mediated N27-A DA cell death.