• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.371-378
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• 1997

Human lactoferrin (hLF) was expressed in the mammary gland of transgenic mice. Expresion of hLF was achieved by palcing its cDNA under the control of bovine $\beta$-casein gene. To improve the hLF expression level, two artificial introns were introduced into the expression vector. One intron is a hybrid-splice consisting of bovine $\beta$ casein intron 1 and rabbit $\beta$-casem intron II. The other intron is a DNA fragment spanning intron 8 of bovine $\beta$ casein gene. Trans sgenic mice were developed which expressed hLF in their milk. Twenty lines of transgenic mice were produced. hLF was present in the milk at concentrations of 1 ~ 200 ${\mu}\textrm{g}$ / ml. hLF RNA was only detected in the mammary gland of transgenic mice. The expressed RNA was cor r rectly spliced at the exon /intron junctions. To generate transgenic cows secreting active hLF in their milk, we transferred the DNA-injected bovine embryos to recipient heifers by surgical a and non-surgical methods out of 68 embryos transferred to 51 recipients by surgical or non-surgical method, 7 calves were normally born. Effect of embryo quality of DNA-injected blastocysts on pregnancy rate after transfer was investig a ated. Higher pregnancy rate of (38.9%) DNA-injected embryos was shown in excellent embryos. Pregnancy rates in the groups of good a and fair embryos were 15.4 and 14.3%, respectively. Effect of culture period of DNA-injected b bovine embryos on pregnancy rate after transfer was investigated. When Day-6 blastocysts of cuI ture were transferred, there was no pregnancy. Pregnancy rates of Day-7 and -8 blastocysts were 28.6 and 33.3%, respectively. There was no difference on pregnancy rate between Day-7 a and -8 bovine blastocysts after DNA injection. Thus, we established the techniques for transfer a and culture of DNA-injected bovine embryos. In a addition, factors affecting the pregnancy rate of DNA-injected embryos after transfer were investigated .

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.17 no.9
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• pp.1183-1187
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• 2004

The natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1) gene was identified as a candidate gene controlling the resistance and susceptibility to a number of intracellular parasites in pigs. The genetic variations in a 1.6 kb region spanning exon 1 and exon 3 of the porcine NRAMP1 gene were investigated by PCR-HinfI-RFLP in samples of 1347 individuals from 21 Chinese indigenous pig populations and 3 western pig breeds. Three alleles (A, B, C) and four genotypes (AA, BB, AB, BC) were detected. Significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies were observed between Chinese indigenous pig populations and exotic pig breeds, while in general the differences in genotype and allele frequencies among Chinese indigenous pig populations were not significant. The allele C was detected only in Duroc, Leping Spotted and Dongxiang Spotted pig, and the two Chinese pig populations showed similar genotype and allele frequencies. Four Chinese Tibetan pig populations displayed genetic differentiation at the NRAMP1 gene locus. In addition, intron 5 of the NRAMP1 gene was isolated and characterized by directly sequencing the PCR products encompassing intron 5. The alignment of intron 5 of the porcine, human, equine and ovine NRAMP1 gene showed a similarity of 45.38% between pig and human, 52.55% between pig and horse, 63.47% between pig and sheep, respectively.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.302-310
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• 2002

Purpose : X-linked agammaglobulinemia(XLA) is an immunodeficiency caused by abnormalities in Bruton's tyrosine kinase(Btk), and is characterized by a deficiency of peripheral blood B cells. We studied cytoplasmic expression of Btk protein and analyzed the Btk gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC) from three XLA families in Korea. Methods : Heparinized venous blood samples were collected from four XLA patients and additional family members in three unrelated XLA families. Mononuclear cells were separated from their blood and the intracellular Btk protein was characterized by a flow cytometry. The mutation analysis was performed using direct sequencing. Results : Cytoplasmic expression of Btk protein in monocytes was not detected in the patients with XLA. We observed a novel deletion and two point mutations within introns(intron 1 and intron 18) resulting in alternative splicings. In XLA family 2, a 980 bp deletion(from intron 9+191 T to intron 10-215 C) including exon 10 was found in patient P2. He was the only sporadic case in this study, because his mother and brother showed a normal Btk expression by flow cytometry. Conclusion : These identified genetic alterations support the molecular heterogeneity of Btk gene in XLA disease. Additionally, by means of flow cytometric analysis, we diagnosed three hypogammaglobulinemia patients as XLA. Advancements in diagnostic methods has facilitated a prompt and definite diagnosis of this disease.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.372-382
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• 2014

In this study, the chloroplast (cp) genome sequences from three early diverged leptosporangiate ferns were completed and analyzed in order to understand the evolution of the genome of the fern lineages. The complete cp genome sequence of Osmunda cinnamomea (Osmundales) was 142,812 base pairs (bp). The cp genome structure was similar to that of eusporangiate ferns. The gene/intron losses that frequently occurred in the cp genome of leptosporangiate ferns were not found in the cp genome of O. cinnamomea. In addition, putative RNA editing sites in the cp genome were rare in O. cinnamomea, even though the sites were frequently predicted to be present in leptosporangiate ferns. The complete cp genome sequence of Diplopterygium glaucum (Gleicheniales) was 151,007 bp and has a 9.7 kb inversion between the trnL-CAA and trnV-GCA genes when compared to O. cinnamomea. Several repeated sequences were detected around the inversion break points. The complete cp genome sequence of Lygodium japonicum (Schizaeales) was 157,142 bp and a deletion of the rpoC1 intron was detected. This intron loss was shared by all of the studied species of the genus Lygodium. The GC contents and the effective numbers of codons (ENCs) in ferns varied significantly when compared to seed plants. The ENC values of the early diverged leptosporangiate ferns showed intermediate levels between eusporangiate and core leptosporangiate ferns. However, our phylogenetic tree based on all of the cp gene sequences clearly indicated that the cp genome similarity between O. cinnamomea (Osmundales) and eusporangiate ferns are symplesiomorphies, rather than synapomorphies. Therefore, our data is in agreement with the view that Osmundales is a distinct early diverged lineage in the leptosporangiate ferns.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.534-546
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• 1997

Background : The p53 and retinoblastoma(Rb) tumor suppressor genes are associated with the pathogenesis of several types of human cancer. Substantial proportion of the primary lung cancers or cell lines have been reported to have the p53 and/or the Rb gene mutations. But, so far there is no report on the analysis of the Rb gene polymorphism as one of the genetic susceptibility marker. This study was undertaken to establish the gene frequencies of the polymorphic genotypes of the p53 and Rb genes in Koreans to evaluate the possible involvement of these genotypes as a risk factor of lung cancer. Methods : In this study 145 controls without previous and present tumor history and 128 lung cancer patients were subjected to analysis. The two intragenic polymorphisms of the p53 gene(exon 4/ AccII, intron 6/MspI) and one intron 17/XbaI polymorphism of the Rb gene were analysed by the method of polymersae chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphisms(PCR-RFLPs). The genotype of the intron 3/16 bp repeat polymorphism of p53 was determined by PCR and direct gel electrophoresis. Results : There were no significant differences in the genotype distributions of the p53 gene between lung cancer patients and controls. But heterozygotes(Arg/Pro) of the exon 4/AccII polymorphisms were slightly over-represented than controls, especially in the Kreyberg type I cancer, which was known to be associated with smoking. The intron 3/16 bp duplication and the intron 6/MspI polymorphisms were in complete linkage disequilibrium. About 95% of the individuals were homozygotes of the common alleles both in the 16 duplication and MspI polymorphisms, and no differences were deteced in the genotype distributions between lung cancer patients and controls. Overall genotype distributions of the Rb gene polymorphisms between lung cancer patients and controls were not significantly different However, the genotype distributions in the Kreyberg type I cancer were significantly different from those of controls(p = 0.0297) or adenocarcinomas(p = 0.0008). It was noticeable that 73.4% of the patients with adenocarcinomas were heterozygotes(r1/r2) whereas 39.2% of the Kreyberg type I cancer were heterozygous at this polymorphisms. In the lung cancer patients, significant differences were also noted between the high dose smokers and low dose smokers including non-smokers(p = 0.0258). The relative risk to Kreyberg type I cancer was significantly reduced in the individuals with the genotype of r1/r2(odds ratio = 0.46, 95% C.I. = 0.25-0.86, p = 0.0124). The combined genotype distribution of the exon 4 AccII of the p53 and the intron 17 Rb gene polymorphisms in Kreyberg type I cancers were significantly different from dose of controls or adenocarcinomas. The highest odds ratio were observed in the individuals with the genotypes of Arg/Pro and r2/r2(odds ratio = 1.97,95% C.I. = 0.84-4.59) and lowest one was in the patients with Arg/Arg, r1/r2 genotype(odds ratio = 0.54, 95% C.I. = 0.25-1.14). Conclusion : The p53 and the Rb gene polymorphisms modulate the risk of smoking induced lung cancer development in Koeans. However, the exact mechanism of risk modulation by these polymorphism remains to be determined. For more discrete clarification of associations between specific genotypes and lung cancer risk, the evaluations of these polymorphisms in other ethnics and more number of patients will be needed.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.541-547
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• 1993

A phage clone containing the partial ${\alpha}_{S1}$-casein gene was isolated from a bovine genomic library by using mixed probes of ovine ${\alpha}_{S1}$-, ${\beta}$- and ${\kappa}$-casein cDNAs. Restriction enzyme mapping analysis for 14.6 kb revealed that the map was in conflict with the report of Meade et al. (1990), especially in the 3'-end fragment. Sequence analysis of 12.6 kb revealed a high AT/GC ratio (1.64); we have identified eight exon sequences according to the bovine ${\alpha}_{S1}$-casein cDNA sequence. The same exon/intron splice junction sequence was observed between these exons. We suggest that the bovine ${\alpha}_{S1}$-casein gene night contain a minimum of 18 exons and the full length is approximately 18-19 kb.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2006

KIT encodes a mast/stem cell growth factor receptor and is known as a possible candidate gene responsible for dominant white coat color in mammals. To investigate the genetic variation of KIT gene in Korean wild boars(Sus scrofa coreanus), we carried out PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing for three exons(exons 17, 19, and 20) and intron 19 of the KIT gene in Korean wild boars. PCR-RFLP results using NlaⅢ restriction enzyme in the breakpoint region between exon 17 and intron 17 and AciⅠ restriction enzyme in exon 19 indicate that Korean wild boars did not have previously identified white coat color related splicing mutation and missense mutation, respectively. These results also indicate matings between Korean wild boars could not give white coat color offsprings. We also found new SNPs in exons 19(C2661T) and 20(A2760G). Of these, the SNP in exon 20 is a missense mutation which might induce the change of amino acid iso-leucine to valine. However, no relationship was identified with this missense mutation and coat color. In this study, breed specific new SNPs were identified in exons 19, 20 and intron 19 and these results will give important information for genetic variation of porcine KIT gene.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.26-31
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• 2000

We isolated genomic clone of FVFD16 and FVFD30 gene specifically expressed during fruit body formation of Flammulina velutipes [(Curt: Fr.) Sing] and determinated the sequences. The FVFD16 gene is including two introns in open reading frame, and FVFD30 gene is including four introns. The introns were matched GT/AG rule. The FVFD16 and FVFD30 genes contained CAAT box with similarity arrange and TATA box. CT-rich region was presented before the transcription start point. FVFD30 gene is investigated that expected the most activity of CCACC arrange. The result of FVFD16 gene analysis showed 80% homology by cDNA clone that is gene family. From the results of genomic southern blot analysis, we presumed more than two copy number gene family of FVFD16 and FVFD30 gene.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.1408-1413
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• 2005

Elevated expression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has been implicated in various biological aspects of neoplasia such as tumor cell adhesion, metastasis, blocking of cellular immune mechanisms, and antiapoptosis function. Thus, the CEA could be an important target for anticancer therapy. In this study, we developed Tetrahymena group 1 intron-based trans-splicing ribozymes that can specifically target and replace CEA RNA. To this end, we first determined which regions of the CEA RNA were accessible to ribozymes by employing an RNA mapping strategy that was based on a trans-splicing ribozyme library. Next, we assessed the ribozyme activities by comparing the trans-splicing activities of several ribozymes that targeted different regions of the CEA RNA, and then the ribozyme that could target the most accessible site was observed to be the most active with high fidelity in vitro. Moreover, the specific trans-splicing ribozyme was found to react with and altered the target CEA transcripts in mammalian cells with high fidelity. These results suggest that the Tetrahymena ribozyme can be utilized to replace CEA RNAs in tumors with a new RNA-harboring anticancer activity, thereby hopefully reverting the malignant phenotype.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.8
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• pp.1075-1081
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• 2014

CRBP1 (cellular retinol binding protein 1) and CRBP3 (cellular retinol binding protein 3), are important components of the retinoid signaling pathway and take part in vitamin A absorption, transport and metabolism. Based on the role of vitamin A in chicken laying performance, we investigated the polymorphism of CRBP1 and CRBP3 genes in 349 chickens using single strand conformation polymorphism and DNA sequencing methods. Only one polymorphism was identified in the third intron of CRBP1, two polymorphisms were detected in CRBP3; they were located in the second intron and the third intron respectively. The association studies between these three SNPs and laying performance traits were performed in Erlang mountainous chicken. Notably, the SNP g.14604G>T of CRBP1 was shown to be significantly associated with body weight at first egg (BWFE), age at first egg (AFE), weight at first egg (WFE) and total number of eggs with 300 age (EN). The CRBP3 polymorphism g.934C>G was associated with AFE, and the g.1324A>G was associated with AFE and BWFE, but none of these polymorphisms were associated with egg quality traits. Haplotype combinations constructed on these two SNPs of CRBP3 gene were associated with BWFE and AFE. In particular, diplotype H2H2 had positive effect on AFE, BWFE, EN, and average egg-laying interval. We herein describe for the first time basic research on the polymorphism of chicken CRBP1 and CRBP3 genes that is predictive of genetic potential for laying performance in chicken.