• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.26 no.10
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• pp.1708-1716
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• 2016

Glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) is an oxidoreductase enzyme and is used as a biocatalyst to regenerate NAD(P)H in reductase-mediated chiral synthesis reactions. In this study, the glucose 1-dehydrogenase B gene (gdhB) was cloned from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki, and wild-type (GDH-BT^WT) and His-tagged (GDH-BT^N-His, GDH-BT^C-His) enzymes were produced in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). All enzymes were produced in the soluble forms from E. coli. GDH-BT^WT and GDH-BT^N-His showed high specific enzymatic activities of 6.6 U/mg and 5.5 U/mg, respectively, whereas GDH-BT^C-His showed a very low specific enzymatic activity of 0.020 U/mg. These results suggest that the intact C-terminal carboxyl group is important for GDH-BT activity. GDH-BT^WT was stable up to 65℃, whereas GDH-BT^N-His and GDH-BT^C-His were stable up to 45℃. Gel permeation chromatography showed that GDH-BT^WT is a dimer, whereas GDH-BT^N-His and GDH-BT^C-His are monomeric. These results suggest that the intact N- and C-termini are required for GDH-BT to maintain thermostability and to form its dimer structure. The homology model of the GDH-BT^WT single subunit was constructed based on the crystal structure of Bacillus megaterium GDH (PDB ID 3AY6), showing that GDH-BT^WT has a Rossmann fold structure with its N- and C-termini located on the subunit surface, which suggests that His-tagging affected the native dimer structure. GDH-BT^WT and GDH-BT^N-His regenerated NADPH in a yeast reductase-mediated chiral synthesis reaction, suggesting that these enzymes can be used as catalysts in fine-chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

• The Journal of Korean Society of Virology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.9-22
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• 1996

Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections in human, with infants and young children being particularly susceptible. In the temperate zones, sharp annual outbreaks of RSV occur during the colder months, in both the northern and the southern hemisphere. RSV is unusual in that it can repeatedly reinfect individuals throughout life and infect babies in the presence of maternal antibody. RSV isolates can be divided into two subgroups, A and B, on the basis of their reactions with monoclonal antibodies, and the two subgroups are also distinct at the nucleotide sequence level. The specific diagnosis of RSV infection was best made by isolation of virus in tissue culture, identification of viral antigen, or by specific serologic procedures. Recently, rapid detection of RSV and analysis of RSV strain variation became possible by development of methods of reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction amplification. In this study, to determine the genetic diversity of RSV found in Korea, 173 bp and 164 bp spanning selected regions of the RSV F and SH genes were enzymatically amplified and sequenced, respectively. Eight for F gene and three for SH gene were detected in 66 nasopharyngeal swap samples tested. Two major antigenic subgroups, A and B were confirmed from Korean samples (seven for subgroup A and one for subgroup B). At the nucleotide level of the F gene region, Korean subgroup A strains showed 95-99% homologies compared to the prototype A2 strain of subgroup A and 93-100% homologies among Korean subgroup A themselves. For the SH gene region, Korean subgroup A strain showed 97.5% homology compared to the prototype A2 strain of subgroup A, and Korean subgroup B strain showed 97% homology compared to the prototype 18537 strain of subgroup B. Most of base changes were transition and occured in codon position 3, which resulted in amino acid conservation. Using the maximum parsimony method, phylogenetic analysis indicated that Korean RSV strains formed a group with other RSV strains isolated from the United States, Canada, the Great Britain and Australia.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.53-59
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• 1992

Four bacterial strains capable of catabolizing 4-chlorobiphen!;l (4CB) were isolated from the industrial waste waters. The bacterial isolates designated as PO$. P20, P27, and P1242. respectively, were examined for their catabolic activities. And in order to examine molecular homology of the 4CB catabolizing genes of these bacterial isolates. Southern hybridization was conducted with bphABC genes of P. p.srudoalculigrnrs KF707 as a DNA probe. The metabolites of 2-hydroxy-6-0x0-6-(4'-chlorophenyl)hexa-2 .4-dienoic acid and Cchlorobenzoate were detected to be produced by the isolatc:~ in the MM2 liquid cultures. But Cchlorobenzoate was further catabolized to produce 4.-hydroxybenzoate by DJ-12, P08. and P27. but not by P20 and P1242. As results of hybridization, homologous regions were commonly observed in Xhol fragments of 2.2 and 1.8 kb and in EcoRl fragment of 11 kb in the DJ- 12. P08, and P27 isolates. But in any restriction enzyme digests ot the P20 and PI242 isolates. homologous region was not detected. The cbp genes of the bactcria capable of catabolizing 4CB in nature could be divided into two groups by divergence<

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.27 no.1 s.88
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• pp.39-43
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• 1999

The internal transcribed spacer II regions (ITS II) of the ribosomal DNA gene repeat from Ganoderma spp. were amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. Sequences from 9 species including Ganoderma lucidum, G. tsugae, G. pfeifferi, G. resinaceum, G. australe-applanatum, G. oregonense, G. neo-japonicum, G. applanatum and Inonotus xeranticus as an out-group were compared. The spacer regions of them were $247{\sim}257$ nucleotides in length and contained partial sequences of 5.8S and 25S gene. The reciprocal homologies of each ITS II sequence of the species were in the range of $70{\sim}100%$ except outgroup species, I. xeranticus. According to the analysis of ITS II sequences, Ganoderma spp. constructed 5 clusters. Ganoderma lucidum isolates were to be divided into two groups. One group was consisted of isolates from South Korea. The other group comprised isolates from UK. G. lucidum isolates belonging to the group I were closely related with G. tsugae. These results suggested that G. lucidum from Korea should be G. tsugae, otherwise G. tsugae was to be synonym of G. lucidum.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.40-47
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• 2010

To investigate genetic relationships either interspecies or intraspecies of 14 Korean Phytophthora species, sequence analyses of nuclear DNA (ypt gene and rDNA-IGS region) and mitochondrial DNA (Cox gene, $\beta$-tubuline gene, and EF1A gene) were performed. All of 14 Korean Phytophthora species clearly clustered into foreign isolates of each species. These Korean isolates in Phytophthora species also showed no correlation between molecular classification and morphological classification like as in case of foreigners. P. palmivora KACC 40167 reported previously from genetic groups of Phytophthora species in Korea was not consistent with the classification system, and therefore was required re-examination for the genetic group analysis. Korean isolates of P. drechsleri KACC 40195 showed very close relationship with P. cryptogea KACC 40161 above 94% bootstrap value in P. cryptogea-P. drechsleri complex group. Identification of these isolates is still unclear, because P. cryptogea and P. drechsleri were not differentiated in this study. On the other hand, it was required to unify species for these two species, since P. parasitica and P. nicotianae were clustered into a group on the level of 99 to 100% sequence homology. Comparing to the sequences of foreigners, Korean isolates were newly divided to ten groups in the phylogenic system. These results could be prepared useful informations to understand genetic diversity of Phytophthora species in Korea.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.12
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• pp.1743-1749
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• 2010

A research group demonstrated that the 37 kDA protein of Edwardsiella tarda, a causing causative agent of edwardsiellosis in fish, exhibited high antigenicity in Japanese flounder. The research group also showed that the N-terminus amino acid sequences of the 37 kDa protein were mapped to the N-terminus of GAPDH (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase). Using degenerated primer sets based on the known N-terminus sequence, the corresponding E. tarda DNA was amplified and cloned. The nucleotide sequences of the cloned gene revealed high homology with a bacterial gene for GAPDH, as we was expected. The amino acid sequence of E. tarda GAPDH (etGAPDH) revealed a <70% similarity with GAPDH proteins in other Enterobacteriaceae. With the application of artificial protein overexpression system in Escherichia coli, the recombinant etGAPDH (rGAPDH) was produced and purified. In this study, Using the purified rGAPDH, the etGAPDH specific polyclonal antibody has been was generated using the purified rGAPDHin this study. The immunoblotting analyses demonstrated that the location of the GAPDH protein is located with the association of is associated with the envelops of E. tarda. The rGAPDH was administrated into Japanese flounder via IP route for evaluation of the protective ability. Although the specific antibody titer against etGAPDH was increased about 3-fold after 4 weeks post-vaccination, the survival rates of vaccinated Japanese flounder and the control group with wild type E. tarda was were 12.5% and 0%, respectively. Our results indicated that rGAPDH is immunoreactive antigen but that it will not generate protective immunity in Japanese flounder.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.317-324
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• 2005

A method for sex determination of pigs was examined using polymerase chain reaction(PCR). Sex determining region Y(SRY) gene encoded on Y chromosome plays a key role for primary male development. Zinc finger X-Y(ZFX-ZFY) gene, one of the X-V homology gene group was found on the X and Y chromosomes, respectively, We tested for molecular sexing by amplification patterns of SRY and ZF genes. Genomic DNAs from various resources including porcine hairs and semen collected from domestic pig breeds and native pigs was used for PCR assay of each gene. The amplified products for porcine SRY gene were yielded only in males but not in females. On the other hand, two differential patterns were observed in amplification of ZF gene reflecting the chromosomal dimorphism by a length polymorphism between X and Y chromosomes. Of both, a common band was detected in all individuals tested so that this band might be amplified from ZFX gene as a PCR template, but another is specific for males indicated that from ZFY. The result of PCR assay provides identical information to that from investigation of phenotypic genders of the pigs tested. We suggest that this PCR strategy to determine porcine sexes using comparison of the amplification patterns of the SRY gene specific for Y chromosome and the dimorphic ZF gene between X and Y chromosomes may be a rapid and precise method for discrimination of two sexes and applied to DNA analysis of small samples such as embryonic blastomere, semen, and hairs.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.544-552
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• 2002

Several microorganisms from rat and human feces and lumen fluid of cows were screened for their ability to decolorize the synthetic dyes. Consequently, a novel dye-degrading strain AB&J was isolated. Taxonomic identification including 165 rDNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis indicated that the isolate had 99.9% homology in its 165 rDNA base sequence with Clostridium perfringens. After 27 h Incubation with the strain, brilliant blue R, bromophenol blue, crystal violet, malachite green, methyl green, and methyl orange were decolorized by about 69.3%, 97.7%, 96.3%, 97.9%, 75.1%, and 97.2%, respectively. The triphenlmethane dye, bromophenol blue, was decolorized extensively by growing Clostridium perfringens AB&J cells in liquid cultures under anaerobic condition, although their growth was strongly inhibited in the initial stage of incubation. This group of dyes is toxic, depending on the concentration used. The dye was significantly decolorized at a relatively lower concentration of below 50 $\mu g \;ml^{-1}$, however, the growth of the cells was mostly suppressed at a dye concentration of 100 $\mu g \;ml^{-1}$. The decolorization activity in cell-free extracts was much higher in cytoplasm than in periplasm and cytoplasmic membrane. Therefore, the enzyme related uptake of bromophenol blue seemed to be localized in cytoplasm. The optimal pH and temperature of bromophenol blue uptake fur decolorization activities were 7.0 and 4$0^{\circ}C$, respectively.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2008

Estrogens, a group of steroid compounds functioning as the primary female sex hormone, play an important role in the development and progression of breast cancer. In this study, using a novel annealing control primer-based GeneFishing PCR technology, five differentially expressed genes (DEGs), expressed using 10nM mitogenic estrogens, $17{\beta}$-estradiol (E2) and $16{\alpha}$-hydroxyestrone ($16{\alpha}$-OHE1), were selected from the estrogen receptor (ER)-positive MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. The DEGs, MRPL42, TUBA1B, SSBP1, KNCT2, and RUVBL1, were identified by comparison with the known genes via direct sequencing and sequence homology search in BLAST. Quantitative real-time PCR data showed that two DEGs, tubulin ${\alpha}1b$ and kinetochore associated 2, were greater than 2-fold upregulated by E2 or $16{\alpha}$-OHE1. Both genes could be new biomarkers for the treatment and prognosis of cancers, and further study may provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying development and progression of breast cancer.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.959-966
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• 2004

Twenty-three cultures of harmful algal bloom (HAB)-(causing dinoflagellates were isolated from the coastal waters of Korea. For each of the 14 morphospecies, the nuclearencoded small subunit (SSU) rDNA was analyzed to determine the phylogenetic relatedness of the species. Despite temporal and spatial isolation, 3-4 clonal cultures of Alexandrium catenella, Cochlodinium polykrikoides, and Gymnodinium catenatum had 100% identical SSU rDNA sequences. In contrast, heterogeneities in the SSU rDNA sequences were observed in Akashiwo sanguinea and Lingulodinium polyedrum strains. Extreme sequence polymorphism was shown within the SSU rRNA genes of an Al. tamarense clonal culture. A homology search in GenBank revealed that 11 dinoflagellate species were located in clusters corresponding to their morphological classification. The SSU rDNA sequences of C. polykrikoides, Gyrodinium instriatum, and Pheopolykrikos hartmannii, which were determined for the first time in this study, showed the following phylogenetic relationships: C. polykrikoides formed an independent branch separated from other dinoflagellates; Gyr. instriatum was placed in a monophyletic group with Gyr. dorsum and Gyr. uncatenum; and Ph. hartmanii, which forms a distinct two-celled pseudocolony, belonged to Gymnodinium sensu Hansen and Moestrup.