• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2022.10a
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• pp.323-323
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• 2022

Jack bean [Canavalia ensiformis (L.)], belonging to the Leguminosae family has been frequently used in edible and medicinal plants in Asian countries. Jack beans are high in protein which is approximately 30%. Concanavalin A (Con A) is a major protein of Jack bean and belongs to the family of legume lectins. It has inhibitory effect on hepatocellular carcinoma by inducing autophagy. However, Con A negatively affects nutrient utilization by other mechanisms. It binds to the glycoproteins and glycolipids of the digestive tract mucosa, inhibits the activity of the enzymes of the brush border of the enterocytes. In order to use Jack bean young seedpods, they are restricted to 'young pods (soft, pre-swelling)' according to the 'Food Code' (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety). Therefore, in this study, we investigated the quantitative change of Con A across developmental stages of Jack bean pods. Biological samples consisted of Jack bean pods and seeds in 7 stages of development. The expression pattern of Con A mRNA was monitored by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). Expression of Con A proteins was analyzed by western blotting. The expression of Con A mRNA and protein in the seeds tended to increase gradually as the seeds expanded. However, in pods, they were much less than in seeds. As the expression of Con A mRNA and protein increases as the pods thicken, it is predicted that Con A synthesis increases when the thickness growth of the pod begins after the length growth of the pod is completed. Since the expression of Con A in the pods and seeds in very low when the pods are about 2 cm, therefore 2 cm pods seem appropriate when using 'young pods'. It is also necessary to study other proteins in Jack bean, such as Urease and Canavalin. These studies will serve as the basis for processing Jack bean.

• Current Research on Agriculture and Life Sciences
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• v.11
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• pp.121-132
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• 1993

This study was carried out to research the effect of the chemotaxis of Bradyrhizobium japonicum KCTC 2422 and its mutant toward soybean root exudate and to elucidate the effect of the lectin of host specificity (Host Recognition) in soybean-Bradyrhizobium symbiosis. The results obtained were as follows: The homogeneities of the purified lectins from soybean and pea seed was ascertained chromatographically and electrophoretically. Gel electrophoresis of soybean lectin in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate appeared a single protein band, whereas pea lectin appeared two protein bands. Soybean lectin from 2 cultivars formed immunoprecipitin arcs at same position with anti-soybean lectin rabbit IgG, but pea lectin did not form immunoprecipitin lines with anti-soybean lectin rabbit IgG. Chemotactic responses of KCTC 2422, LPN-100 and LCR-101 toward proline in capillary assays were 3.1, 1.3 and 1.0-fold above background, respectively. The chemotactic responses of KCTC 2422, LPN-100, and LCR-101 toward Paldal crude root exudate in capillary assays were 3.5, 1.4 and 1.4-fold above background, respectively. The present work shows that B. japonicum and its mutants are capable of very different responses toward root exudate fraction. The chemotactic responses of KCTC 2422 was most with neutral fraction, least with anionic fraction and intermediate with cationic fraction. The nitrogenase activity of soybean nodule was shown in 15days after inoculation with LCR-101. However, we couldn't find out the nodules when soybean was inoculated with LPN-100. From these result we can suppose that the chemotaxis of Bradyrhizobium plays inportant the role of forming the nodule (host recognition) in the soybean-B. japonicum symbiosis.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.209-218
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• 2014

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of human multiple sclerosis (MS), reflects pathophysiologic steps in MS such as the influence of T cells and antibodies reactive to the myelin sheath, and the cytotoxic effect of cytokines. Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is a member of animal lectins that plays an essential role in various biological functions. The expression of Gal-9 is significantly enhanced in MS lesions; however, its role in autoimmune disease has not been fully elucidated. To identify the role of Gal-9 in EAE, we measured changes in mRNA and protein expression of Gal-9 as EAE progressed. Expression increased with disease progression, with a sharp rise occurring at its peak. Gal-9 immunoreactivity was mainly expressed in astrocytes and microglia of the central nervous system (CNS) and macrophages of spleen. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that $Gal-9^+CD11b^+$ cells were dramatically increased in the spleen at the peak of disease. Increased expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-R1 and p-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was observed in the CNS of EAE mice, suggesting that TNF-R1 and p-JNK might be key regulators contributing to the expression of Gal-9 during EAE. These results suggest that identification of the relationship between Gal-9 and EAE progression is critical for better understanding Gal-9 biology in autoimmune disease.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.167-176
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• 2008

Galectins are a group of animal lectins consisting of galectin-type carbohydrate recognition domains (CRD) with relatively minor domains. The biological properties of galectins include the regulation of inflammation, intercellular adhesion, cell differentiation and cell death. The diverse kinds of galectin suggest variety in their biological roles. Galectin-1 is released during adipocyte differentiation and is associated with fat which is one of the important factors for meat quality. To verify expression level, a 0.5 kb clone of galectin-1 was obtained from cDNA prepared from back fat tissue of a Sancheong Berkshire pig with good quality meat, and the galectin-1 gene identified. The deduced amino acid sequence of the galectin-1 gene was compared with those obtained from other species. By using RT-PCR and Real time-PCR, an attempt was made to determine the expression level of galectin-1 and to compare with various tissues (tenderloin and back fat) taken from pigs in different groups. Grouping of pigs was based on growth-stage (weighing 60, 80, and 110 kg) and the sub-speciation (Yorkshire and Sancheong Berkshire pigs). We attempted to determine influences of pig species, growth stages and tissue variations on the expression level of the galectin-l gene and it was revealed that the expression pattern of the galectin-1 gene was significantly different (p<0.01 or p<0.05). Galectin-1 genes were expressed more highly in the back fat tissues of pigs weighing 110 kg than in those weighing 60 kg or 80 kg. However, the lowest expression was seen in the tenderloin tissues of pigs weighing 110 kg. Sancheong Berkshire pigs showed higher expression of the galectin-1 gene compared to Yorkshire pigs. Accordingly, it is considered that the expression pattern of the galectin-1 gene influences the growth of back fat tissues and the pig speciation relationship. Previous studies suggested that different expression of galectin-1 genes represents variety among the breeds and is closely related to fat tissue growth, conjugation and catabolism. Further, this study suggests that the expression of galectin-1 at a specific growth stage and tissue contributes significantly to the overall meat quality of Sancheong Berkshire pigs.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.11
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• pp.1543-1550
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• 2008

We studied the effects of smoking, which is one of indoor-environmental pollutants and related to various cancers, on glycoconjugates of rat sebaceous glands with the lectin histochemistry. To investigate the effects of smoking on glycoconjugates, male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to tabacco smoke for 10 minutes per day in an inhalation chamber for 1, 2, 3, and 5 days with active and passive exposure. For the structure of sebaceous glands we used PAS reaction, and for the glycoconjugates binding pattern 9 biotinylated lectins (DBA, SBA, PNA, BSL-1, WGA, RCA-1, UEA-1, Con A, and LCA) were used. Some remarkable changes, such as the decrease in the size of sebaceous glandular acini, the destruction of upper portion of sebaceous glands, vacuolation of central portion of sebocytes, and the immature sebaceous glandular acini were seen in the smoke-exposed rats. In the control rats, basal cells were stained with BSL-1, PNA and WGA, but the stronger reaction was founded in BSL-1 binding. Also, sebocytes were stained with PNA, WGA, Con A, BSL-1 and SBA, but stronger reactions were founded in PNA and Con A stainings. Specific changes in the lectin binding patterns were also observed in the smoke-exposed rats. In the basal cells of exposed rats, PNA binding increased, BSL-1 decreased but returned to control level, and WGA disappeared. Plus, immature glandular acini, which were not found in the control rats, were stained PNA, Con A and BSL-1, but the stronger reaction were founded in PNA and Con A binding. In conclusion, it was assumed that the tabacco smoke seriously effected on the structure and glycoconjugates metabolism of sebaceous glands.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.297-304
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• 2016

Lectins belong to the pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) class and play important roles in the recognition and elimination of pathogens via the innate immune system. Recently, it was reported that lily-type lectin-1 is involved when a pathogen attacks in the early immune response of fish. However, this study is limited to information that the lectin is involved in the innate immune response against viral infection. In the present study, the lily-type lectin-2 and -3 of Oplegnathus fasciatus (OfLTL-2 and 3) have been presented to be included B-lectin domain and two D-mannose binding sites in the amino acid sequence that an important feature for the fundamental structure. To investigate the functional properties of OfLTLs, the tissue distribution in the healthy rock bream and temporal expression during early developmental stage analysis are performed using quantitative real-time PCR. OfLTL-2 and 3 are predominantly expressed in the liver and skin, but rarely expressed in other organ. Also, the transcripts of OfLTLs are not expressed during the early developmental stage but its transcripts are increased after immune-related organs which are fully formed. In the challenge experiment with RBIV (rock bream iridovirus), the expression of OfLTLs was increased much more strongly in the late response than the early, unlike previously known. These results suggest that OfLTLs are specifically expressed in the immune-related tissues when those organs are fully formed and it can be inferred that the more intensively involved in the second half to the virus infection.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.1090-1097
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• 2015

Traditionally, mistletoe is known as an effective anti-cancer medicinal plant, and lectin is recognized as a major component with cytotoxic and immuno-stimulant activity in mistletoe. A Korean mistletoe lectin (KML) has specificity to galactose and galactosamine and is distinguish from European mistletoe lectin (EML). When we examined the concentration of lectin in mistletoe originated from five different types of host trees, the result indicate that the lectin concentration is variable depending on the host tree. Noticeably, mistletoe from chestnut tree contains ten folds higher lectins than that of an oak tree. We also tested the concentration of KML and crude extract (KM-110) of Korean mistletoe that shows 90% cytotoxicity in L5178Y-ML25 lymphoma cell. In addition, the cells show 90% and 70% viability by the treatment of two neutralizing antibodies of KML, 9H7-D10 and 8B11-2C5 neutralization effect with two monoclonal antibodies of KML, 9H7-D10 and 8B11-2C5. Therefore, the result expected that the mistletoe contain some other cytotoxic components except lectin. Finally, the production of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-6 by RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with lectin free-crude extract (LFKM-110) following neutralization by 9H7-D10 monoclonal antibody shows higher than that of lectin containing-crude extract (KM-110). These results suggest that the Korean mistletoe lectin ha a great potential to be developed as therapeutic agent of cancer.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.163-170
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• 2002

Experimatal maxillary sinusitis was induced in New Zealand white rabbits by blocking the maxillary sinus ostium. The distribution of lectin receptors was explored in the mucosa with induced maxillary sinusitis using colloidal gold label complex with lectin WGA purified from wheat germ (Triticum vulgaris). The lectin WGA gold complex, shown to recognize GlcNac (N-acetylglucosamine) and NeuNAc (N-acetylneuraminic acid) regions, was applied to detect binding sites in Lowicryl HM 20 sections and viewed under the electron microscope. An increased height of the cylindric cells, ciliary loss and hyperplasia of the secretory cells were observed. Examination of normal sinus mucosa labeled with gold-labeled lectins showed the distribution of sialoglycoconjugates to be mainly in the ciliary layer and the granules in the secretory cells. Inflamed mucosa had increased labeling intensity of gold-labeled WGA in the cilia and the secretory granules. These results indicate that lectin WGA receptors are located in the cilia and secretory granules. Specific changes in the lectin binding pattern were apparent in the inflamed mucosa in the experimentally induced acute sinusitis, in comparison with normal mucosa, conceivably as a part of host defense reactions.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.347-354
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• 2013

Innate immunity is the ability to differentiate infectious agents from self. The innate immune system is comprised of a complicated network of recognition and effector molecules that act together to protect the host in the early stage of an infectious challenge. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL or mannose-binding protein, MBP) belongs to the family of $Ca^{2+}$-dependent lectins (C-type lectin with a collagen-like domain), which are considered an important component of innate immunity. While it is associated with increased risk and severity of infections and autoimmunity, the most frequent immuno-deficiency syndrome was reported to be low MBL level in blood. Deficiency of human MBL is caused by mutations in the coding region of the MBL gene. Rat homologue gene of human MBL gene was used to study functions of wild type and mutant MBL proteins. Although extensive studies have yielded the structural information of MBL, the functions of MBL, especially mutant MBL, still require investigation. We previously reported the cloning of rat wild-type MBL gene and the production of a truncated form of MBL protein and its antibody. Here, we present the cloning of mutant MBL cDNA in collagen-like domain (R40C, G42D, and G45E) using site-directed mutagenesis and differential behaviors of wild type and mutant MBL in cells. The major difference between wild type and mutant MBL was that while wild type MBL was secreted, mutant MBL was inhibited for secretion, retained in endoplasmic reticulum, and still functioned as a lectin.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.10
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• pp.1347-1353
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• 2007

The changes of glycoconjuagates (GCs) in rat kidney due to maturation were studied from samples of fetal and postnatal kidneys by lectin histochemistry. Rat kidneys of perinatal ages and adults were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and were stained with nine kinds of biotinylated lectins. The immature forms of the renal developmental stage such as vesicles and ureteric bud were observed in the cortex as late as day 14 of postnatal life, but the histological appearance of the weaning kidney was similar to that observed in adults. As for histochemical properties of GCs in the glomeruli, Con A affinity tended to increase with aging, but both RCA-1 and LCA affinities showed a transient increase in immature glomeruli of neonatal rats. DBA affinity with SBA, PNA, BSL-1 and RCA-1, additional Con A one in proximal tubule, were increased in both proximal and distal tubules according to maturation. In contrast to this, transient intensive LCA affinity were demonstrated in immature proximal and distal tubule of neonatal rats. In the collecting tubules, DBA, SBA, PNA and sWGA affinities tended to increase according to maturation, but transient increase for BSL-1, RCA-1 and LCA affinities were detected in neonatal rats. The present results suggest that the mature glycosylation pattern of the kidney undergoes profound changes during maturation and is probably associated with functional maturation of the kidney.