• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• 제35권5호
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• pp.530-537
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• 2019

Fuji, a major apple cultivar in Korea, is susceptible to white rot. Apple white rot disease appears on the stem and fruit; the development of which deteriorates fruit quality, resulting in decreases in farmers' income. Thus, it is necessary to characterize molecular markers related to apple white rot resistance. In this study, we screened for differentially expressed genes between uninfected apple fruits and those infected with Botryosphaeria dothidea, the fungal pathogen that causes white rot. Antimicrobial tests suggest that a gene expression involved in the synthesis of the substance inhibiting the growth of B. dothidea in apples was induced by pathogen infection. We identified seven transcripts induced by the infection. The seven transcripts were homologous to genes encoding a flavonoid glucosyltransferase, a metallothionein-like protein, a senescence-induced protein, a chitinase, a wound-induced protein, and proteins of unknown function. These genes have functions related to responses to environmental stresses, including pathogen infections. Our results can be useful for the development of molecular markers for early detection of the disease or for use in breeding white rotresistant cultivars.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.37-45
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• 2022

The fungal cell wall and membrane are the principal targets of antifungals. Herein, we report that myricetin exerts antifungal activity against Candida albicans by damaging the cell wall integrity and notably enhancing the membrane permeability. In the presence of sorbitol, an osmotic protectant, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of myricetin against C. albicans increased from 20 to 40 and 80 ㎍/ml in 24 and 72 h, respectively, demonstrating that myricetin disturbs the cell wall integrity of C. albicans. Fluorescence microscopic images showed the presence of propidium iodide-stained C. albicans cells, indicating the myricetin-induced initial damage of the cell membrane. The effects of myricetin on the membrane permeability of C. albicans cells were assessed using crystal violet-uptake and intracellular material-leakage assays. The percentage uptakes of crystal violet for myricetin-treated C. albicans cells at 1×, 2×, and 4× the MIC of myricetin were 36.5, 60.6, and 79.4%, respectively, while those for DMSO-treated C. albicans cells were 28.2, 28.9, and 29.7%, respectively. Additionally, myricetin-treated C. albicans cells showed notable DNA and protein leakage, compared with the DMSO-treated controls. Furthermore, treatment of C. albicans cells with 1× the MIC of myricetin showed a 17.2 and 28.0% reduction in the binding of the lipophilic probes diphenylhexatriene and Nile red, respectively, indicating that myricetin alters the lipid components or order in the C. albicans cell membrane, leading to increased membrane permeability. Therefore, these data will provide insights into the pharmacological worth of myricetin as a prospective antifungal for treating C. albicans infections.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제60권1호
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• pp.7-14
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• 2022

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare infectious disease and accurate diagnosis has remained arduous as clinical manifestations of AK were similar to keratitis of viral, bacterial, or fungal origins. In this study, we described the production of a polyclonal peptide antibody against the adenylyl cyclase-associated protein (ACAP) of A. castellanii, and evaluated its differential diagnostic potential. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed high titers of A. castellanii-specific IgG and IgA antibodies being present in low dilutions of immunized rabbit serum. Western blot analysis revealed that the ACAP antibody specifically interacted with A. castellanii, while not interacting with human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells and other causes of keratitis such as Fusarium solani, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) results confirmed the specific detection of trophozoites and cysts of A. castellanii co-cultured with HCE cells. The ACAP antibody also specifically interacted with the trophozoites and cysts of 5 other Acanthamoeba species. These results indicate that the ACAP antibody of A. castellanii can specifically detect multiple AK-causing members belonging to the genus Acanthamoeba and may be useful for differentially diagnosing Acanthamoeba infections.

• Medical Lasers
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• 제8권1호
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• pp.28-31
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• 2019

Superficial fungal infections with dermatophytes, nondermatophyte molds, or yeasts are treated primarily with topical and/or systemic antifungal agents. Additional or alternative treatment modalities, particularly energy-delivering modalities, however, are used widely to induce fungicidal effects via selective photothermal reactions. In addition to light- or laser-based devices, plasma therapy also has antifungal properties. This report describes a Korean male patient with mycologically confirmed tinea pedis that was treated effectively with two sessions of nitrogen plasma treatment at one-week intervals using a plasma delivering system. Nitrogen plasma was prepared by loading a 0.28-ml inert nitrogen gas/pulse that was activated by a microwave generator. The other treatment settings were a nozzle diameter of 5 mm, pulse energy of 0.75 J, pulse duration of 7 msec, and two passes. One week after the first session of nitrogen plasma treatment, the patient exhibited marked reductions in scale and inflammation. One month after the final treatment, no clinical features of recurrence were found, and successive potassium hydroxide testing revealed negative results.

• 농업생명과학연구
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• 제50권2호
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• pp.25-32
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• 2016

A severe outbreak of gray mold on kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) was observed on kenaf grown in the research field of Gyeongsangnam-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services, Jinju, Korea in 2014. Gray mold appeared on young plants as gray-brown velvety mold covering stems and leaves. Infections that girdled the stem caused wilting above the infected area and developed a canker. The casual fungus formed grayish brown colonies on potato dextrose agar. The conidia were one celled, mostly ellipsoid or ovoid in shape, colorless or pale brown in color, and 6-18 × 4-10 ㎛ in size. The conidiophores were 15-32 ㎛ in length. These measurements and taxonomic characteristics were most similar to those of Botrytis. DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the complete internal transcribed spacer rRNA gene region confirmed that the fungal isolates were indeed Borytis cinerea. Koch's postulates were supported by pathogenicity tests conducted on healthy plants. On the basis of mycological characteristics and pathogenicity test on host plants, the fungus was identified as Botrytis cinerea. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a gray mold caused by B. cinerea on kenaf in Korea.

• 농업과학연구
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• 제50권4호
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• pp.759-771
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• 2023

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are naturally occurring bacteria that intensively colonize plant roots and are crucial in promoting the crop growth. These beneficial microorganisms have garnered considerable attention as potential bio-inoculants for sustainable agriculture. PGPR directly interacts with plants by providing essential nutrients through nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization and accelerating the accessibility of other trace elements such as Cu, Zn, and Fe. Additionally, they produce plant growth-promoting phytohormones, such as indole acetic acids (IAA), indole butyric acids (IBA), gibberellins, and cytokinins.PGPR interacts with plants indirectly by protecting them from diseases and infections by producing antibiotics, siderophores, hydrogen cyanide, and fungal cell wall-degrading enzymes such as glucanases, chitinases, and proteases. Furthermore, PGPR protects plants against abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity by producing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase and modulating plant stress markers. Bacteria belonging to genera such as Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Burkholderia, Pantoa, and Enterobacter exhibit multiple plant growth-promoting traits, that can enhance plant growth directly, indirectly, or through synergetic effects. This comprehensive review emphasizes how PGPR influences plant growth promotion and presents promising prospects for its application in sustainable agriculture.

• 대한영상의학회지
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• 제81권6호
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• pp.1529-1536
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• 2020

침습성 폐 아스페르길루스증은 주로 면역저하 환자에서 발생하는 것으로 알려져 있지만 드물게 면역저하가 없는 환자에서도 발생한다. 면역저하가 없는 환자에서 발병하는 경우, 초기에 진균에 의한 폐 감염을 의심하기가 어렵기 때문에 진단 및 치료가 늦어지고 나쁜 예후를 보일 수 있다. 저자들은 면역저하가 없는 29세 남성 환자에서 선천성 심장질환 수술 후 발생한 침습성 폐 아스페르길루스증의 사례가 있어 시간 경과에 따른 CT 소견과 함께 보고하고자 한다.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제34권4호
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• pp.783-794
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• 2024

The antifungal activity of fisetin against Candida albicans is explored, elucidating a mechanism centered on membrane permeabilization and ensuing disruption of pH homeostasis. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of fisetin, indicative of its interaction with the fungal membrane, increases in the presence of ergosterol. Hoechst 33342 and propidium-iodide staining reveal substantial propidium-iodide accumulation in fisetin-treated C. albicans cells at their MIC, with crystal violet uptake assays confirming fisetin-induced membrane permeabilization. Leakage analysis demonstrates a significant release of DNA and proteins in fisetin-treated cells compared to controls, underscoring the antifungal effect through membrane disruption. Green fluorescence, evident in both the cytoplasm and vacuoles of fisetin-treated cells under BCECF, AM staining, stands in contrast to controls where only acidic vacuoles exhibit staining. Ratiometric pH measurements using BCECF, AM reveal a noteworthy reduction in intracellular pH in fisetin-treated cells, emphasizing its impact on pH homeostasis. DiBAC4(3) uptake assays demonstrate membrane hyperpolarization in fisetintreated cells, suggesting potential disruptions in ion flux and cellular homeostasis. These results provide comprehensive insights into the antifungal mechanisms of fisetin, positioning it as a promising therapeutic agent against Candida infections.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제34권2호
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• pp.296-305
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• 2024

Peach tree gummosis is a botanical anomaly distinguished by the secretion of dark-brown gum from the shoots of peach trees, and Botryosphaeria dothidea has been identified as one of the fungal species responsible for its occurrence. In South Korea, approximately 80% of gummosis cases are linked to infections caused by B. dothidea. In this study, we isolated microbes from the soil surrounding peach trees exhibiting antifungal activity against B. dothidea. Subsequently, we identified several bacterial strains as potential candidates for a biocontrol agent. Among them, Bacillus velezensis KTA01 displayed the most robust antifungal activity and was therefore selected for further analysis. To investigate the antifungal mechanism of B. velezensis KTA01, we performed tests to assess cell wall degradation and siderophore production. Additionally, we conducted reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis based on whole-genome sequencing to confirm the presence of genes responsible for the biosynthesis of lipopeptide compounds, a well-known characteristic of Bacillus spp., and to compare gene expression levels. Moreover, we extracted lipopeptide compounds using methanol and subjected them to both antifungal activity testing and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The experimental findings presented in this study unequivocally demonstrate the promising potential of B. velezensis KTA01 as a biocontrol agent against B. dothidea KACC45481, the pathogen responsible for causing peach tree gummosis.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.232-238
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• 2012

금정산성 막걸리$^{(R)}$는 전통적인 수제누룩과 쌀로부터 발효된 한국의 전통적인 술이다. 본 연구에서는 막걸리 발효기간 동안 세균과 진균의 다양성을 특성화하기 위해 16S와 28S rRNA 유전자를 목적으로 하는 PCRDenaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) 분석을 수행하였다. 막걸리 발효기간 동안 PCR-DGGE profile에서 검출된 세균은 16S rRNA 유전자 서열에 기초한 동정결과 Lactobacillus spp. (L. curvatus, L. kisonensis, L. plantarum, L. sakei 및 L. gasseri), Pediococcus spp. (P. acidilactici, P. parvulus, P. agglomerans및 P. pentosaceus), Pantoea spp. (P. agglomerans 및 P. ananatis) 그리고 Citrobacter freundii로 총 12종이었으며, 배양2일 이후 L. curvatus가 주된 우점 종을 형성하였다. 반면 PCR-DGGE profile에서 검출된 진균은 28S rRNA 유전자 서열에 기초한 동정결과 Pichia kudriavzevii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Asidia idahoensis, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Saccharomycopsis fibuligera 및 Torulaspora delbrueckii로 6종이었으며 주된 우점 진균은 배양0일에서 2일에 P. kudriavzevii에서 배양 3일에서 6일에 S. cerevisiae로 전환되었다. 결과적으로 PCR-DGGE분석은 막걸리발효기간 동안 미생물의 구조와 다양성을 이해하는 데 유용한 도구임을 보여주었다.