• Development and Reproduction
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.393-402
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• 2018

Genomic DNA was isolated from the Gracilaria vermiculophylla (GRV) and G. chorda (GRC) from Jangheung located in the southern sea of the Korean Peninsula, respectively and we performed clustering analyses, DNA polymorphisms and the genetic differences. The seven selected primers OPC-01, OPA-04, OPA-05, OPD-07, OPD-08, OPB-10, and OPD-16 generated average bandsharing (BS) value, the genetic distance and dendrogram. The size of DNA bands varies from 90 bp to 2,400 bp. The average BS value was $0.859{\pm}0.004$ within GRV and $0.916{\pm}0.006$ within GRC. The average BS value between two Gracilaria species was $0.340{\pm}0.003$, ranged from 0.250 to 0.415. The dendrogram obtained by the seven primers, indicates two genetic clusters. The genetic distance between two Gracilaria species ranged from 0.059 to 0.513. The individual VERMICULOPHYLLA no. 07 of GRV was genetically closely related to VERMICULOPHYLLA no. 06 of GRV (genetic distance=0.059). Especially, two entities between the individual VERMICULOPHYLLA no. 10 of GRV and CHORDA no. 22 of GRC showed the longest genetic distance (0.513) in comparison with other individuals used. Accordingly, as mentioned above, PCR analysis showed that the GRV was a little more genetically diverse than the GRC species. We convinced that this DNA analysis revealed a significant genetic distance between two Gracilaria species pairs (p<0.01).

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.9
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• pp.1042-1047
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• 2018

The red algae Gracilaria vermiculophylla is widespread on seashores worldwide and has been used as food in Asian countries. Previous studies have reported that extracts of Gracilaria red algae have beneficial anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study examined the anti-senescence effects of Gracilaria vermiculophylla extracts (GV-Ex) in replicatively senescent human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). GV-Ex pretreatment improved the cellular viability of hBM-MSCs that had been injured by oxidative stress. These effects of GV-Ex were confirmed by MTT assay and immunoblot analysis using the apoptotic proteins p53 and cleaved caspase-3. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were examined in long-term cultured Passages 17 (P-17) mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and compared to P-7 MSC. The ROS accumulation was greater in the P-17 than in the P-7. However, these increased ROS levels in the P-17 were decreased significantly after treatment with GV-Ex, and restoration of the levels of the anti-oxidant enzymes SOD1, SOD2, and CAT was also observed under these conditions. In addition, P-17 hBM-MSC treated with GV-Ex had decreased levels of the senescence proteins p53, p21, and p16. The results show that the ability of P-17 hBM-MSC to differentiate into osteocytes and adipocytes was improved by GV-Ex treatment, suggesting that GV-Ex ameliorates the functional decline of senescent stem cells.

• ALGAE
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.57-66
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• 2017

The red alga Gracilaria vermiculophylla, a species native to the waters of Korea and Japan, has invaded marine coastal areas of Europe and the Americas, thriving in conditions that differ from those of its native habitat. In recent years, G. vermiculophylla has been discovered in the Long Island Sound (LIS) estuary growing alongside the native congener Gracilaria tikvahiae. The goal of this study was to determine whether the two strains of G. vermiculophylla from different regions of the world have evolved genetic differences (i.e., ecotypic differentiation) or if the physiological performance of the strains simply reflects phenotypic plasticity. Two strains of G. vermiculophylla (isolated in Korea and LIS) and a strain of the LIS native G. tikvahiae were grown for four weeks under temperatures ranging from 20 to $34^{\circ}C$ using a temperature gradient table (all other environmental conditions were kept constant). At the end of each week, wet weight of each sample was recorded, and thalli were reduced to the original stocking density of $1gL^{-1}$ (excess biomass was preserved for tissue carbon and nitrogen analysis). Generally, the growth rates of Korean G. vermiculophylla > LIS G. vermiculophylla > G. tikvahiae. After one week of growth G. tikvahiae grew 9.1, 12.0, 9.4, and 0.2% $d^{-1}$, at temperatures of 20, 24, 29, and $34^{\circ}C$, respectively, while G. vermiculophylla (LIS) grew 6.6, 6.2, 5.7, and 3.6% $d^{-1}$. G. vermiculophylla (Korea) grew 15.4, 22.9, 23.2, and 10.1% $d^{-1}$, much higher than the two strains currently inhabiting the LIS. On average, the LIS G. vermiculophylla strain contained 4-5% DW N, while the Korean strain and G. tikvahiae had more modest levels of 2-3% N DW. However, tissue N content declined as temperature increased in LIS and Korean G. vermiculophylla. The non-native haplotype may have evolved genetic differences resulting in lower growth capacity while concentrating significantly more nitrogen, giving the non-native a competitive advantage.

• Journal of Integrative Natural Science
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.69-75
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• 2018

The red algae Gracilaria vermiculophylla is widely spread around seaside areas across the globe, and has been used as a food resource in Southeast Asian countries. Previous studies have shown that Gracilaria red algae extracts have beneficial antihypercholesterolemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant effects of Gracilaria vermiculophylla extracts (GV-Ex) on human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). The acetone and DMSO/ethanol solvents of the tested GV contain higher total flavonoid and polyphenolic contents that can strongly scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pre-treatment with GV-Ex protected hBM-MSCs against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide treatment. The protective effects of GV-Ex treatment were confirmed by MTT assay. The elevated levels of ROS in hBM-MSCs caused by hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative stress were significantly decreased by GV extract treatment. The levels of the antioxidant proteins superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), and catalase (CAT) were also restored or protected by GV-Ex treatment, suggesting that GV extracts moderate excess ROS levels and prevent cells from oxidative damage.

• ALGAE
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.329-340
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• 2018

The present study was to determine the effects of salinity on the growth and nutrient bioextraction abilities of Gracilaria and Ulva species, and to determine if these seaweeds can be used for nutrient bioextraction under hypo- and / or hyperosmotic conditions. Two Gracilaria species, G. chorda and G. vermiculophylla, and two Ulva species, U. prolifera and U. compressa, were cultured at various salinity conditions (5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50 psu) for 3 weeks. Results showed that the growth rates, nutrient uptake, tissue nutrient contents and nutrient removal were significantly affected by salinity and species. All four species were euryhaline with the highest growth rates at 20 psu. Among the four species, U. prolifera, U. compressa, and G. vermiculophylla showed potential to be used for nutrient bioextraction in estuaries and / or land-based fish farms due to their rapid growth, high nutrient uptake, high tissue carbon and nitrogen accumulation and removal capacities.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.203-212
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• 2018

Zoospore release and germling growth of endophytic Ulvella ramosa were examined under various temperatures (10, 15, 20, $25^{\circ}C$) ${\times}$ irradiances (20, 60, $100{\mu}mol\;photons\;m^{-2}s^{-1}$). Additional growth experiments were performed at different salinities (15, 25, 35, 45 psu) and daylengths (8, 12, 16 h). Growth of host Gracilaria vermiculophylla (Ohmi) Papenfuss was estimated under combinations of temperatures (15, 20, 25, $30^{\circ}C$) and irradiances (20, 60, $100{\mu}mol\;photons\;m^{-2}s^{-1}$). Endophyte effects on the host growth were tested in the two temperatures (20, $30^{\circ}C$) and irradiances (60, $100{\mu}mol\;photons\;m^{-2}s^{-1}$). Zoospore release was maximal at $20^{\circ}C$ and $20{\mu}mol\;photons\;m^{-2}s^{-1}$, and germlings grew best under $20^{\circ}C$ and $60{\mu}mol\;photons\;m^{-2}s^{-1}$. No salinity effect on the growth of endophytes was found but endophyte growth was maximal under the daylength of 12 h. G. vermiculophylla grew better at higher irradiances but no growth differences were found between temperatures of $15-30^{\circ}C$. The growth of host species was significantly inhibited by endophytes under $20^{\circ}C$ and $60{\mu}mol\;photons\;m^{-2}s^{-1}$, but host G. vermiculophylla grew well in the endophyte inactive culture conditions of $30^{\circ}C$ and $100{\mu}mol\;photons\;m^{-2}s^{-1}$. In conclusion, endophyte effects on the production of host G. vermiculophylla could be minimized by controlling cultivation depth and harvest period to inhibit endophyte activity.

• ALGAE
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.269-278
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• 2018

Ocean warming can have significant negative impacts on population genetic diversity, local endemism and geographical distribution of a wide range of marine organisms. Thus, the identification of conservation units with high risk of extinction becomes an imperative task to assess, monitor, and manage marine biodiversity for policy-makers. Here, we surveyed population structure and genetic variation of the red seaweed Gracilaria vermiculophylla along the coast of China using genome-based amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) scanning. Regardless of analysis methods used, AFLP consistently revealed a south to north genetic isolation. Populations at the southern coast of China showed unique genetic variation and much greater allelic richness, heterozygosity, and average genetic diversity than the northern. In particular, we identified a geographical barrier that may hinder genetic exchange between the two lineages. Consequently, the characterized genetic lineage at the southern coast of China likely resulted from the interplay of post-glacial persistence of ancestral diversity, geographical isolation and local adaptation. In particular, the southern populations are indispensable components to explore evolutionary genetics and historical biogeography of G. vermiculophylla in the northwestern Pacific, and the unique diversity also has important conservation value in terms of projected climate warming.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.274-282
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• 2014

We examined seasonal variation in the structure of marine macroalgal communities at five sites around the Byeonsan Peninsula, Korea, from January to October 2011. Sixty eight species were identified, including 11 green, 17 brown and 40 red algae. Species richness was highest at Gyeokpo (51 species) followed by Sambal (47), Gosapo (34), Byeonsan (33), and Habgoo (18). Seaweed biomass ranged from 12.98 to 145.33 g dry $wt/m^2$, with maximum and minimum biomasses at Gyeokpo and Habgoo, respectively. Sargassum thunbergii was the representative alga species occupying 47.89% of the total biomass. The dominant seaweeds were S. thunbergii, Corallina pilulifera, Ulva spp, Gracilaria vermiculophylla, and Carpopeltis affinis. No distinctive vertical distribution of seaweeds was found because S. thunbergii, Ulva spp, and G. vermiculophylla were all distributed from high to low shore. Community indices were as follows: dominance index (DI), 0.44-0.61; richness index (R), 6.27-10.35; evenness index (J'), 0.38-0.59; and diversity index (H'), 1.48-1.71. Gyeokpo had the most biomass and highest species richness, and the lowest percentage of Ulva species. However, species richness declined at Gyeokpo, from 78 to 51 species within 10 years, implying that eutrophication and sedimentation from Mankyeong and Dongjin rivers have reduced the stability of seaweed communities.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.130-136
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• 2012

In the present work, we have collected 19 species of macroalgae (9 Phaeophta and 10 Rhodophyta) f rom all around of Korea: Dictyopteris divaricata, D. prolifera, Myelophycus cavus, Papenfussiella kuromo, Petalonia zosterifolia, Petrospongium rugosum, Rugulopteryx okamurae, Sargassum fulvellum, S. muticum, Callophyllis japonica, Gloiopeltis tenax, Gracilaria longissima, Gracilaria vermiculophylla, Grateloupia asiatica, Grateloupia lanceolata, Grateloupia sparsa, Grateloupia turuturu, Grateloupia sp, and Polyopes affinis. The macroalgal species were extracted by 70% ethanol (EtOH) for 24 h and evaluated its inhibitory effects on ${\alpha}$-glucosidase. Among ethanol extracts, Myelophycus cavus showed the most effectively inhibitory activity ($IC_{50}$, 2.17 ${\mu}g/ml$) against ${\alpha}$-glucosidase, followed by Sargassum fulvellum (<$IC_{50}$, 8.13 ${\mu}g/ml$), Dictyopteris prolifera ($IC_{50}$, 16.66 ${\mu}g/ml$), Rugulopteryx okamurae ($IC_{50}$, 50.63 ${\mu}g/ml$), and Petrospongium rugosum ($IC_{50}$, 101.62 ${\mu}g/ml$). Furthermore, MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay showed no cytotoxicity on mouse pre-adipocytes cell line (3T3-L1). These results suggest that some edible macroalgae merit further evaluation for clinical usefulness as anti-diabetic functional foods.

• ALGAE
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.343-348
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• 2006

This study was conducted to screen in vitro angiotensin - I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities of methanol (MeOH) and aqueous extracts at 20°C and 70°C, respectively, prepared from twenty-six red algae obtained from the coast of Jeju Island in Korea. Among aqueous extracts at 20°C (20AE) from red algae Lomentaria catenata showed the strongest ACE inhibitory activity and Lithophyllum okamurae recorded the second highest activity. From MeOH extract at 20°C (20ME) Ahnfeltiopsis flabelliformis possessed the strongest ACE inhibitory activity. Remarkable activities from MeOH extracts at 70°C (70ME) were observed in Grateloupia filicina, Sinkoraena lancifolia and Grateloupia lanceolata. However, no significant activity was found in aqueous extracts at 70°C (70AE). The IC50 values, which are concentrations required to inhibit 50% activity of ACE, for ACE inhibitory activities of 20AE from Lithophyllum okamurae and L. catenata were 13.78 and 12.21 μg mL–1, respectively. The IC50 values of 20ME from A. flabelliformis and Laurencia okamurae were 13.84 and 106.15 μg mL–1. Those of the 70ME from Bonnemaisonia hamifera, Grateloupia filicina, Sinkoraena lancifolia, G. lanceolata, Gracilaria vermiculophylla and L. okamurae ranged from 25.82 to 124.69 μg mL–1.