• Genomics & Informatics
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• 제10권4호
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• pp.226-233
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• 2012

Since the advent of whole-genome sequencing, transposable elements (TEs), just thought to be 'junk' DNA, have been noticed because of their numerous copies in various eukaryotic genomes. Many studies about TEs have been conducted to discover their functions in their host genomes. Based on the results of those studies, it has been generally accepted that they have a function to cause genomic and genetic variations. However, their infinite functions are not fully elucidated. Through various mechanisms, including de novo TE insertions, TE insertion-mediated deletions, and recombination events, they manipulate their host genomes. In this review, we focus on Alu, L1, human endogenous retrovirus, and short interspersed element/variable number of tandem repeats/Alu (SVA) elements and discuss how they have affected primate genomes, especially the human and chimpanzee genomes, since their divergence.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제43권2호
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• pp.82-89
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• 2016

Objective: The long interspersed elements (LINE-1, L1s) are a group of genetic elements found in large numbers in the human genome that can translate into phenotype by controlling genes. Growing evidence supports the role of epigenetic in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the DNA methylation levels in LINE-1 in a tissue-specific manner using cumulus cells from patients with PCOS compared with normal controls. Methods: The study included 19 patients with PCOS and 22 control patients who were undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. After oocyte retrieval, cumulus cells were extracted. LINE-1 DNA methylation levels were analysed by bisulfite treatment, polymerase chain reaction, and restriction enzyme digestion. The Connection Up- and Down-Regulation Expression Analysis of Microarrays software package was used to compare the gene regulatory functions of intragenic LINE-1. Results: The results showed higher LINE-1 DNA methylation levels in the cumulus cells of mature oocytes in PCOS patients, 79.14 (${\pm}2.66$) vs. 75.40 (${\pm}4.92$); p=0.004, but no difference in the methylation of cumulus cells in immature oocytes between PCOS and control patients, 70.33 (${\pm}4.79$) vs. 67.79 (${\pm}5.17$); p=0.155. However, LINE-1 DNA methylation levels were found to be higher in the cumulus cells of mature oocytes than in those of immature oocytes in both PCOS and control patients. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the epigenetic modification of LINE-1 DNA may play a role in regulating multiple gene expression that affects the pathophysiology and development of mature oocytes in PCOS.

• 한국해양바이오학회지
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• 제1권3호
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• pp.186-192
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• 2006

짧은 집단 반복 요소 (Short Interspersed Repetitive Elements, SINE) 는 수백개 정도의 염기로 구성된 반복염기서열로서 LINE (Long Interspersed Nucleotide Elements)와 함께 바이러스와는 구별되는 레트로트랜스포존 (Retrotransposon)의 하나로 알려져 있다. 이들의 생체 내 역할은 정확하게 밝혀진 것은 없지만 게놈 내에서 반복염기서열의 재배열을 통해 완전히 새로운 유전자를 창조하거나 기존의 유전자를 변형시킴으로써 유전물질의 운반수단 및 진화적 변화에 있어서 중요한 역할을 할 것이라 예상되며, 질병의 원인이 된다고도 밝혀져 있다. 본 연구에서는 미꾸라지로부터 SINE의 새로운 두 그룹을 분리하였다. 두 SINE 그룹, mlSINE-L과 mlSINE-S는 각각 약 410bp와 270bp의 염기로 구성되어 있다. 두 SINE 그룹의 5'과 3'말단의 서열은 RSg-1와 SmaI SINE 의 그것과 높은 유사도를 보였다. 계통발생분석결과, mlSINE들은 미꾸라지에서 유일하였으며, dot blot hybridization의 결과는 mlSINE-L이 미꾸라지 게놈 $2{\times}10^9bp$ (2.8 pg)당 $1{\times}10^3$ copy를 가지는 것으로 추정되며, loop DNA보다 핵기질부착부위 (nuclear matrix attachment regions, MARs)에서 그 분포도가 높았다. 이런 결과는 미꾸라지의 새로운 SINE 들이 핵기질 부착부위 내에서나 혹은 가까운 주변에 우선적으로 삽입될 수 있음을 나타낸다.