• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.31 no.12
• /
• pp.1088-1093
• /
• 2021

Jeju horse (Equus ferus caballus) is a Korean horse breed that has been native to Jeju Island for a long time. Jeju horses are used as racehorses, and their racing ability is a major economic trait. The role of the myostatin (MSTN) gene in skeletal muscle mass has been studied in various mammals, and mutations in the MSTN gene are known to affect the racing ability and stamina of thoroughbreds. In this study, we compared the frequency of mutations in the MSTN gene in several horse breeds, including 1,433 Jeju horses. Among the mutations (ECA18 g.66493737C>T) in the MSTN gene, the long-distance aptitude genotype (TT) was found to have a frequency of 0.826 in Jeju horses, which was higher than that in Halla horses (0.285) and thoroughbreds (0.252). The genotypes and arrival records of Jeju horses were compared according to various distances (400 m, 800 m, 900 m, 1,000 m, 1,110 m, and 1,200 m). According to the results, the CT type showed a faster-reaching record than the TT type in races of less than 1,000 m. However, almost identical results were confirmed in races over 1,110 m. This study suggests that the MSTN mutation in Jeju horses may be related to race distance aptitude. In future research, the data in this study can be used for developing markers related to race distance aptitude and racing abilities in Jeju horses.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
• /
• v.43 no.6
• /
• pp.1105-1121
• /
• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness and safety of frequently used clinical herbal medicines (Yijung-tang [Lizhong-tang, LJT], Pyeongwi-san [Pingwei-san, PWS], and Shihosogan-tang [Chaihu Shugan-tang, SST]) in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) when administered according to herbal medicine and Korean medicine pattern identification. The results of this study will be used to standardize the diagnostic instrument used in Korean medicine and to investigate biomarkers of Korean medicine pattern identification. Methods: This study will be a randomized, assessor-blind, 3-arm, parallel, open-label, multi-center clinical trial. A total of 300 FD participants will be recruited from 3 Korean medical hospitals and assigned to the LJT (n=100), PWS (n=100), and SST (n=100) groups according to FD pattern identification. The patients will take the medication for 8 weeks, 3 times a day, before or between meals. The primary outcome will be total dyspepsia symptom (TDS) and the secondary outcomes will be adequate relief (AR) for dyspepsia, overall treatment effect (OTE), visual analogue scale (VAS), functional dyspepsia-related quality of life (FD-QoL), gastrointestinal symptom score (GIS), and pattern identification questionnaires. For the exploratory outcomes, we will analyze blood and fecal metabolome profiles, microbiota from fecal and saliva samples, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and results of Korean medicine diagnosis device measurements (heart rate variability, and tongue, pulse, and abdominal diagnosis). Conclusions: The results of this study will prove objectivity for Korean medicine pattern identifications, and the effectiveness and safety of herbal medicines for the population with FD.

• Journal of Science Education
• /
• v.47 no.2
• /
• pp.192-210
• /
• 2023

This study was intended to develop the plant molecular biology experimental program using Rapid-cycling Brassica rapa (RcBr) based on the teaching steps and teaching methods of the cognitive apprenticeship model and to determine its application effects. In order to improve a subject's cognitive function and expertise on molecular biology experiments, two themes composed of a total 8 class sessions were selected: 'Identification of DFR gene in purple RcBr and non-purple RcBr' and 'Identification of RcBr's genetic polymorphism site using the DNA profiling method'. Research subjects were 18 pre-service teaching majors in biology education of H University in Chungbuk, Korea. The effectiveness of the developed program was verified by analyzing the enhancement of 'cognitive function' related to the use of molecular biology knowledge and technology, and the enhancement of 'domain-general metacognitive abilities.' The effect of the developed program was also determined by analyzing the task flow diagram provided. The developed program was effective in improving the cognitive functions of the pre-service teachers on the use of knowledge and technology of molecular biology experiments. It was especially effective to improve the higher cognitive function of pre-service teachers who did not have the previous experience. The developed program also showed a significant improvement in the task of metacognitive knowledge and in the planning, checking, and evaluation of metacognitive regulation, which are sub-elements of domain-general metacognitive abilities. It was found that the developed program's self-test activity could help the pre-service teachers to improve their metacognitive regulation. Therefore, this developed program turned out to be helpful for pre-service teachers to develop core competencies needed for molecular biology experimental classes. If the teaching and learning materials of the developed program could be reconstructed and applied to in-service teachers or high school students, it would be expected to improve their metacognitive abilities.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
• /
• v.112 no.1
• /
• pp.40-56
• /
• 2023

Tree species within the Populus genus grow rapidly and have an excellent capacity to absorb carbon, conferring substantial ability to effective purify the environment. Poplar breeding can be achieved rapidly and efficiently if a genetic linkage map is constructed and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) are identified. Here, a high-density genetic linkage map was constructed for the control pollinated progeny using the genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) technique, which is a next-generation sequencing method. A search was also performed for the genes associated with quantitative traits located in the genetic linkage map by examining the variables of height and diameter at root collar, and resilience to insect damage. The height and diameter at root collar were measured directly, while the ability to recover from insect damage was scored in a 4-year-old breeding population of aspen hybrids (Odae19 × Bonghyeon4 F1) established in the research forest of Seoul National University. After DNA extraction, paternity was confirmed using five microsatellite markers, and only the individuals for which paternity was confirmed were used for the analysis. The DNA was cut using restriction enzymes and the obtained DNA fragments were prepared using a GBS library and sequenced. The analyzed results were sorted using Populus trichocarpa as a reference genome. Overall, 58,040 aligned single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were identified, 17,755 of which were used for mapping genetic linkages. The genetic linkage map was divided into 19 linkage groups, with a total length of 2,129.54 cM. The analysis failed to identify any growth-related QTLs, but a gene assumed to be related to recovery from insect damage was identified on linkage group (chromosome) 4 through genome-wide association study.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
• /
• v.36 no.5
• /
• pp.496-507
• /
• 2023

The in vitro organogenesis is one of important issues in plant embryology, and somaclonal variations are existing in calli and/or regenerants induced from a process of the organogenesis with in vitro circumstances. In this study, expressions of organogenesis-related genes were evaluated and genetic stability of regenerants derived from the process of in vitro organogenesis were measured using ISSR markers in Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra', Poaceae. The expressions of organogenesis-related genes were detected all of regenerants at the process of the organogenesis. All ISSR markers produced with an average of 71 bands per in vitro-cultured regenerants, and the scorable bands were varied from two to eight with an average of 5.14 bands per a primer. The polymorphism rates of the in vitro regenerants were higher than that of mother plants (1.4%), showing 4.1% (pot-cultured regenerants), 4.3% (field-cultured regenerants), 4.2% (in vitro-cultured regenerants), 5.6% (calli with green shoots) and 1.4% (calli), respectively. The genetic similarity matrix (GSM) among all accessions ranged from 0.747 to 1.0 with a mean of 0.868. GSM of the regenerants showed differences (from 0.972 to 1.00) compared with that of mother plants (0.991). According to the clustering analysis, two independent groups were divided into; the one is mother plants and regenerants cultured at room and open field, the other is regenerants cultured in vitro. The results give a new insight for understanding the dynamics of organogenesis in monocot plant.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
• /
• v.68 no.3
• /
• pp.134-146
• /
• 2023

Phytophthora root rot (PRR) is a major soybean disease caused by an oomycete, Phytophthora sojae. PRR can be severe in poorly drained fields or wet soils. The disease management primarily relies on resistance genes called Rps (resistance to P. sojae). This study aimed to identify resistance loci associated with resistance to P. sojae isolate 40468 in Daepung × CheonAl recombinant inbred line (RIL) population. CheonAl is resistant to the isolate, while Daepung is generally susceptible. We genotyped the parents and RIL population via high-throughput single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping and constructed a set of genetic maps. The presence or absence of resistance to P. sojae was evaluated via hypocotyl inoculation technique, and phenotypic distribution fit to a ratio of 1:1 (R:S) (χ² = 0.57, p = 0.75), indicating single gene mediated inheritance. Single-marker association and the linkage analysis identified a highly significant genomic region of 55.9~56.4 megabase pairs on chromosome 18 that explained ~98% of phenotypic variance. Many previous studies have reported several Rps genes in this region, and also it contains nine genes that are annotated to code leucine-rich repeat or serine/threonine kinase within the approximate 500 kilobase pairs interval based on the reference genome database. CheonAl is the first domestic soybean genotype characterized for resistance against P. sojae isolate 40468. Therefore, CheonAl could be a valuable genetic source for breeding resistance to P. sojae.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.54 no.1
• /
• pp.1-8
• /
• 2012

This study aimed to investigate the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the porcine MC4R gene and validate the effect of the MC4R genotype for marker assisted selection (MAS). Six amplicons were produced to analyze the entire base sequences of the porcine MC4R gene and six SNPs were detected (c.-780C>G, c.-135C>T, c.175C>T-Leu59Leu, c.707A>G-Arg236His, c.892A>G-Asp298Asn, and c.*430A>T). Linkage disequilibrium (LD) of the six SNPs was analyzed by performing haploid analysis. There was a perfect linkage disequilibrium in c.-780C>G, c.-135C>T, c.175C>T-Leu59Leu, c.707A>G-Arg236His, and c.*430A>T. Only the c.892A>G (Asp298Asn) SNP showed a very low LD with an $r^2$ value of 0.028 and the D' value of 0.348. As a result, the two SNPs-c.707A>G (Arg236His) and c.892A>G (Asp298Asn)-were selected to extract the genotype frequencies from the 5 pig breeds by using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) genotype analysis method. The SNP frequency of c.707A>G (Arg236His) indicated the presence of the A (His) allele only in Yorkshire, while the G allele was fixed in the KNP, Landrace, Berkshire, and Duroc. Association analysis was carried out in 484 pigs with the c.707A>G (Arg236His) SNP and the meat quality traits of four different pig cross populations: a significant association was noted in crude fat, sirloin moisture, meat color, and the degree of red and yellow coloration. The frequency of the c.892A>G(Asp298Asn) SNP genotype varied among the breeds; while Duroc showed the highest frequency of the A (Asn) allele, KNP showed the highest frequency of the G (Asp) allele. Association analysis was carried out in 1126 pigs with the c.892A>G (Asp298Asn) SNP and the meat quality traits of four pig populations: a highly significant linkage was noted in the back-fat thickness (P<0.002). It was found that the back-fat thickness was higher in individuals with the AA genotype than in those with the AG or GG genotype. Thus, in this study, we verified that the c.892A>G (Asp298Asn) SNP in the pig MC4R gene has a sufficient effect as a gene marker for MAS in Korean pork industry.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.41 no.4
• /
• pp.339-353
• /
• 1994

Background : The p53 gene codes for a DNA-binding nuclear phosphoprotein that appears to inhibit the progression of cells from the G1 to the S phase of the cell cycle. Mutations of the p53 gene are common in a wide variety of human cancers, including lung cancer. In lung cancers, point mutations of the p53 gene have been found in all histological types including approximately 45% of resected NSCLC and even more frequently in SCLC specimens. Mutant forms of the p53 protein have transforming activity and interfere with the cell-cycle regulatory function of the wild-type protein. The majority of p53 gene mutations produce proteins with altered conformation and prolonged half life; these mutant proteins accumulate in the cell nucleus and can be detected by immunohistochemical staining. But protein overexpression has been reported in the absence of mutation. p53 protein overexpression or gene mutation is reported poor prognostic factor in breast cancer, but in lung cancer, its prognostic significance is controversial. Method : We investigated the p53 abnormalities by nucleotide sequencing, polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism(PCR-SSCP), and immunohistochemical staining. We correlated these results with each other and survival in 75 patients with NSCLC resected with curative intent. Overexpression of the p53 protein was studied immunohistochemically in archival paraffin- embedded tumor samples using the D07(Novocastra, U.K.) antibody. Overexpression of p53 protein was defined by the nuclear staining of greater than 25% immunopositive cells in tumors. Detection of p53 gene mutation was done by PCR-SSCP and nucleotide sequencing from the exon 5-9 of p53 gene. Result: 1) Of the 75 patients, 36%(27/75) showed p53 overexpression by immunohistochemical stain. There was no survival difference between positive and negative p53 immunostaining(overall median survival of 26 months, disease free median survival of 13 months in both groups). 2) By PCR-SSCP, 27.6%(16/58) of the patients showed mobility shift. There was no significant difference in survival according to mobility shift(overall median survival of 27 in patients without mobility shift vs 20 months in patients with mobility shift, disease free median survival of 8 months vs 10 months respectively). 3) Nucleotide sequence was analysed from 29 patients, and 34.5%(10/29) had mutant p53 sequence. Patients with the presence of gene mutations showed tendency to shortened survival compared with the patients with no mutation(overall median survival of 22 vs 27 months, disease free median survival of 10 vs 20 months), but there was no statistical significance. 4) The sensitivity and specificity of immunostain based on PCR-SSCP was 67.0%, 74.0%, and that of the PCR-SSCP based on the nucleotide sequencing was 91.8%, 96.2% respectively. The concordance rate between the immunostain and PCR-SSCP was 62.5%, and the rate between the PCR-SSCP and nucleotide sequencing was 95.3%. Conclusion : In terms of detection of p53 gene mutation, PCR-SSCP was superior to immunostaining. p53 gene abnormalities either overexpression or mutation were not a significant prognostic factor in NSCLC patients resected with curative intent. However, patients with the mutated p53 gene showed the trends of early relapse.