• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.565-571
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• 2007

This study was carried out to investigate an optimum condition for the high angiotensin-l converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity and the yield on enzyme concentration, casein concentration, and hydrolysis time. The optimum condition was performed by response surface methodology for acquirement of casein hydrolysate of milk which shows high ACE inhibitory activity, Among 8 tested enzymes, Protamex showed the highest activation degree with 77.03 unit/g from casein. Their hydrolysis degrees of flovourzyme 500MG, protamex, mixture from 1% casein were 85.5, 88.5, and 93.5%, respectively. The ranges of enzyme concentration (0.25-1.25%), casein concentration (2.5-12.5%), and hydrolysis time (20-100 min) as 3 independent variables through preliminary experiments of the yield of casein hydrolysate and ACE inhibitory activity, and it shows optimum response surface at a saddle point. It shows enzyme concentration (0.64%), casein concentration (8.38%), and hydrolysis time (55.81 min) in the yield aspect and showed the highest activity at enzyme concentration (0.86%), casein concentration (5.97%), and hydrolysis time (63.86 min) in ACE inhibitory aspect. The $R^2$ value of a fitted optimum formula on the hydrolysis yield was 0.9751 as the significant level of 1%. The $R^2$ value of a fitted optimum formula on ACE inhibitory activity is 0.8398, and the significance is recognized in the range of 5%.

• 한국균학회소식:학술대회논문집
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• 2015.11a
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• pp.26-26
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• 2015

Phytophthora infestans is the causal agent of potato and tomato late blight, one of the most devastating plant diseases. P. infestans secretes effector proteins that are both modulators and targets of host plant immunity. Among these are the so-called RXLR effectors that function inside plant cells and are characterized by a conserved motif following the N-terminal signal peptide. In contrast, the effector activity is encoded by the C terminal region that follows the RXLR domain. Recently, I performed in planta functional profiling of different RXLR effector alleles. These genes were amplified from a variety of P. infestans isolates and cloned into a Potato virus X (PVX) vector for transient in planta expression. I assayed for R-gene specific induction of hypersensitive cell death. The findings included the discovery of new effector with avirulence activity towards the Solanum bulbocastanum Rpi-blb2 resistance gene. The Rpi-blb2 encodes a protein with a putative CC-NBS-LRR (a coiled-coil-nucleotide binding site and leucine-rich repeat) motif that confers Phytophthora late blight disease resistance. We examined the components required for Rpi-blb2-mediated resistance to P. infestans in Nicotiana benthamiana. Virus-induced gene silencing was used to repress candidate genes in N. benthamiana and to assay against P. infestans infections. NbSGT1 was required for disease resistance to P. infestans and hypersensitive responses (HRs) triggered by co-expression of AVRblb2 and Rpi-blb2 in N. benthamiana. RAR1 and HSP90 did not affect disease resistance or HRs in Rpi-blb2-transgenic plants. To elucidate the role of salicylic acid (SA) in Rpi-blb2-mediated resistance, we analyzed the response of NahG-transgenic plants following P. infestans infection. The increased susceptibility of Rpi-blb2-transgenic plants in the NahG background correlated with reduced SA and SA glucoside levels. Furthermore, Rpi-blb2-mediated HR cell death was associated with $H_2O_2$, but not SA, accumulation. SA affects basal defense and Rpi-blb2-mediated resistance against P. infestans. These findings provide evidence about the roles of SGT1 and SA signaling in Rpi-blb2-mediated resistance against P. infestans.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.267-273
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• 2020

Background: Continuous exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat stress. This stress response alters the expression of multiple genes and can contribute to the onset of various diseases. In particular, heat stress induces oxidative stress by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species. The liver is an essential organ that plays a variety of roles, such as detoxification and protein synthesis. Therefore, it is important to protect the liver from oxidative stress caused by heat stress. Korean ginseng has a variety of beneficial biological properties, and our previous studies showed that it provides an effective defense against heat stress. Methods: We investigated the ability of Korean Red Ginseng and Korean black ginseng extracts (JP5 and BG1) to protect against heat stress using a rat model. We then confirmed the active ingredients and mechanism of action using a cell-based model. Results: Heat stress significantly increased gene and protein expression of oxidative stress-related factors such as catalase and SOD2, but treatment with JP5 (Korean Red Ginseng extract) and BG1 (Korean black ginseng extract) abolished this response in both liver tissue and HepG2 cells. In addition, JP5 and BG1 inhibited the expression of inflammatory proteins such as p-NF-κB and tumor necrosis factor alpha-α. In particular, JP5 and BG1 decreased the expression of components of the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key inflammatory signaling factor. Thus, JP5 and BG1 inhibited both oxidative stress and inflammation. Conclusions: JP5 and BG1 protect against oxidative stress and inflammation induced by heat stress and help maintain liver function by preventing liver damage.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.238-244
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• 2003

During the life cycle, plants have to suffer from various environmental stresses. A common element in response to many environmental stresses is cellular dehydration. Dehydrins are a family of proteins commonly induced by environmental stresses associated with low temperature or dehydration and during seed maturation drying. For the study in the defense mechanism against various stresses, a cDNA clone encoding a dehydrin gene was isolated from a cDNA library prepared from tab root mRNAs of Codonopsis lanceolata. The cDNA, designated ClDhn1, is 893 nucleotides long and has an open reading frame of 480 bp with a deduced amino acid sequence of 159 residues. The ClDhn1 amino acid sequence is highly hydrophilic and possesses two conserved repeats of characterized lysine­rich K­segment (KIKEKLPG), and a 7­serine residue stretch prior to the first lysine­rich repeat that is common to many dehydrins. The DEYGNP conserved motif is, however, modified in the sequence of ClDhn1 gene. The deduced amino acid sequence of ClDhn1 was compared with other plant dehydrinls and showed high homology with Solanum commersonii

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.17-23
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• 2017

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascades play critical roles in various cellular events in plants, including stress responses, innate immunity, hormone signaling, and cell specificity. MAPK-mediated stress signaling is also known to negatively regulate nitrogen-fixing symbiotic interactions, but the molecular mechanism of the MAPK signaling cascades underlying the symbiotic nodule development remains largely unknown. We show that the MtMKK5-MtMPK3/6 signaling module negatively regulates the early symbiotic nodule formation, probably upstream of ERN1 (ERF Required for Nodulation 1) and NSP1 (Nod factor Signaling Pathway 1) in Medicago truncatula. The overexpression of MtMKK5 stimulated stress and defense signaling pathways but also reduced nodule formation in M. truncatula roots. Conversely, a MAPK specific inhibitor, U0126, enhanced nodule formation and the expression of an early nodulation marker gene, MtNIN. We found that MtMKK5 directly activates MtMPK3/6 by phosphorylating the TEY motif within the activation loop and that the MtMPK3/6 proteins physically interact with the early nodulation-related transcription factors ERN1 and NSP1. These data suggest that the stress signaling-mediated MtMKK5/MtMPK3/6 module suppresses symbiotic nodule development via the action of early nodulation transcription factors.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.44 no.2 s.138
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• pp.101-116
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• 2006

Vaginal trichomoniasis, caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common sexually transmitted disease. More than 170 million people worldwide are annually infected by this protozoan. In the Republic of Korea, 10.4% of women complaining of vaginal symptoms and signs were found to be infected with T. vagina/is. However, despite its high prevalence, the pathogenesis of T. vaginalis infection has not been clearly characterized although neutrophil infiltration is considered to be primarily responsible for the cytologic changes associated with this infection. We hypothesized that trichomonads in the vagina sometime after an acute infection secrete proteins like excretory-secretory product that have a chemotactic effect on neutrophils, and that these neutrophils are further stimulated by T. vaginalis to produce chemokines like IL-8 and $GRO-\alpha$, which further promote neutrophil recruitment and chemotaxis. Thus, neutrophil accumulation is believed to maintain or aggravate inflammation. However, enhanced neutrophil apoptosis induced by live T. vaginalis could contribute to resolution of inflammation. Macrophages may constitute an important component of host defense against T. vaginalis infection. For example, mouse macrophages alone and those activated by lymphokines or nitric oxide are known to be involved in the extracellular killing of T. vaginalis. In the host, T. vaginalis uses a capping phenomenon to cleave host immunoglobulins with proteinases and thus escape from host immune responses. Recently, we developed a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique using primers based on a repetitive sequence cloned from T. vaginalis (TV-E650), and found that the method enables the detection of T. vaginalis at concentrations as low as 1 cell per PCR mixture.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.42 no.9
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• pp.637-645
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• 2019

Effector-triggered immunity (ETI) is an effective layer of plant defense initiated upon recognition of avirulence (Avr) effectors from pathogens by cognate plant disease resistance (R) proteins. In rice, a large number of R genes have been characterized from various cultivars and have greatly contributed to breeding programs to improve resistance against the rice blast pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae. The extreme diversity of R gene repertoires is thought to be a result of co-evolutionary history between rice and its pathogens including M. oryzae. Here we show that Pii is an allele of Pi5 by DNA sequence characterization and complementation analysis. Pii-1 and Pii-2 cDNAs were cloned by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction from the Pii-carrying cultivar Fujisaka5. The complementation test in susceptible rice cultivar Dongjin demonstrated that the rice blast resistance mediated by Pii, similar to Pi5, requires the presence of two nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat genes, Pii-1 and Pii-2. Consistent with our hypothesis that Pi5 and Pii are functionally indistinguishable, the replacement of Pii-1 by Pi5-1 and Pii-2 by Pi5-2, respectively, does not change the level of disease resistance to M. oryzae carrying AVR-Pii. Surprisingly, Exo70F3, required for Pii-mediated resistance, is dispensable for Pi5-mediated resistance. Based on our results, despite similarities observed between Pi5 and Pii, we hypothesize that Pi5 and Pii pairs require partially distinct mechanisms to function.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.43-51
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• 2019

Nacre of abalone shell features a "brick-and-mortar" microstructure, in which micro-plates of calcium carbonate are bonded by nanometers-thick layers of chitin and proteins. Due to the microstructure and its unique toughening mechanisms, nacre possesses an excellent combination of specific strength, stiffness and toughness. This study deals with the possibility of using nacre fragments obtained from abalone shell for making a bulletproof armor system. A composite plate laminated with abalone shell fragments is made and compression and bend tests are carried out. In addition, a bulletproof test is performed with hybrid armor systems which are composed of an alumina plate, a composite plate, and aramid woven fabric to verify the ballistic performance of nacre. The compressive strength of the composite plate is around 258.3 MPa. The bend strength and modulus of the composite plate decrease according to the plate thickness and are about 149.2 MPa and 50.3 GPa, respectively, for a 4.85 mm thick plate. The hybrid armor system with a planar density of $45.2kg/m^2$, which is composed of an 8 mm thick alumina plate, a 2.4 mm thick composite plate, and 18 layers of aramid woven fabric, satisfy the NIJ Standard 0101.06 : 2008 Armor Type IV. These results show that a composite plate laminated with abalone shell fragments can be used for a bulletproof armor system as an interlayer between ceramic and fabric to decrease the armor system's weight.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.160-169
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• 2022

In the present study we evaluated the efficacy of a bioformulation of Streptomyces cameroonensis for control of black pod disease in cocoa and enhancement of seedling growth. The formulation developed using talc powder and cassava starch as carriers showed high shelf-life of 1.07 × 10⁶ CFU/g after six months storage at 4℃. The formulation was tested for inhibition of spore germination in Phytophthora megakarya and showed 100% inhibition at 10% (w/v) of formulation. To determine the efficacy of the formulation, we performed an in planta assay in the greenhouse on two hybrids of cocoa seedlings, the tolerant SNK413 × (♂) T79/467 and the susceptible UPA 134× (♂) SCA 12. Detached leaf assay showed a significant reduction in the disease severity index of about 67% for the tolerant hybrid and 55% for the susceptible hybrid compared to non-treated plants. A significant enhancement in stem length, leaf surface area and root weight was observed. Analysis of biochemical markers of defense showed a significant increase in total polyphenol, flavonoid, and total protein contents. There was also significant upregulation of PR-proteins such as chitinases, peroxidases and β-1, 3-glucanases following treatment of both tolerant and susceptible hybrids, though with a higher level of synthesis in the tolerant hybrids. A significant increase was also observed in polyphenol oxidase activities in plants treated with the formulation. This work demonstrated the stability and effectiveness of the S. cameroonensis powder formulation in suppressing black pod disease in cocoa and subsequently enhancing the growth of seedlings.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.586-592
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• 2023

Oxidative stress is a critical factor affecting the quality and viability of sperm during boar semen storage. Oxidative stress is also a significant concern during the process of freezing semen. The process of semen storage involves exposing the sperm to various stressors, including temperature changes, cryoprotectants, and extended periods of incubation. In addition, oxidative stress can lead to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the sperm, resulting in oxidative damage to cellular components, such as lipids, proteins, and DNA. Striking a balance between ROS production and the antioxidant defense system is crucial for maintaining sperm viability and functionality during semen storage. Moreover, the prolonged storage of boar semen leads to an increase in ROS levels, which can impair sperm motility, membrane integrity, and DNA integrity. ROS-induced lipid peroxidation affects the fluidity and stability of sperm membranes, leading to decreased sperm motility. Moreover, oxidative damage to the DNA can result in DNA fragmentation, compromising the genetic integrity of the sperm. In conclusion, oxidative stress is a significant challenge in maintaining sperm quality during boar semen storage. Understanding the mechanisms underlying oxidative stress and their impacts on sperm function is crucial for developing effective strategies to minimize oxidative damage and improve sperm storage outcomes.