• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Developmental Biology Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.65-65
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• 2003

Serotonin(5-hydroxytriptamine, 5-HT)은 biogenic amlne류 신경전달물질로써, 다양한 생리조절활성을 갖고있다. 생식과 관련된 5-HT 기능으로 최근 사정 기능의 조절 가능성이 제시되었는데, 항우울제로 흔히 사용되는 selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor(SSRI) 계 약물을 장기 투여할 때 Premature ejaculation이 개선된다는 임상적인 증거들이 보고되었다. 본 연구는 수컷 흰쥐를 사용하여 생식기관, 특히 사정과 관계되는 기관들에서의 5-HT 수용체 아형들의 유전자 발현 여부와 그 조절 기작을 조사하였다. 흰쥐 수컷의 생식장기들인 고환, 부정소, 정관, 정낭에서 사정현상에 관여하리라 추정되는 세로토닌 수용체 아형들(type 1A, 1B, 2C)의 유전자 발현을 RT-PCR과 Southern blot으로 확인하였다. SSRI(sertraline)을 흰쥐에 매일 투여하는 모델(25mg/개체, 2주간)에서 1A 아형의 발현의 경우 정낭에서는 감소하였으나 정관에서는 증가하였고, 1B 아형의 발현은 두 장기에서 공히 증가하였다. 고환 제거후 testosterone(T) 보충 실험 모델을 사용한 실험에서, 정낭에서의 1A와 1B 발현은 T 보충에 의해 감소하였고, 정관에서는 큰 변화가 없었다. 한편 고환, 정낭과 정관에서의 세로토닌 수용체 아형 1A와 1B의 발현은 사춘기의 개시와 함께 증가하였다가 이후 점차 감소하는 경향을 보였다. 본 연구 결과는 사정 현상에 있어서 말초성 세로토닌 시스템이 중요한 역할을 담당할 가능성을 시사하는 것으로써, (i) 고등 포유동물에서의 사정 기작의 조절에 대한 과학적인 이해를 증진시키고, (ⅱ) 세로토닌 수용체 아형간의 특이한 발현과 작용에 대한 이해를 통해 보다 효과적인 사정 부전 치료법 개발을 시도할 수있고, (ⅲ) ontogeny와 sex steroid 의존성에 관련된 연구 시도는 노화와 관련된 사정능력의 변화와 같은 남성과학 분야로의 접목을 기할 수 있다고 사료된다.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Plant Pathology Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.77.2-78
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• 2003

An EREBP/AP2-type transcription factor (CaPFl) was isolated by DDRT-PCR following inoculation of soybean pustule pathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines Bra which induces HR on pepper leaves. Genomic Southern blot analysis revealed that the CaPFl gene is present as a single copy within the hot pepper genome. The deduced amino acid sequence of CaPFl has two potential nuclear localization signals, a possible acidic activation domain, and an EREBP/AP2 motif that could bind to a conserved cis- element present in promoter region of many stress-induced genes. The mRNA level of CaPFl was induced by both biotic and abiotic stresses. We observed higher-level transcripts in resistance-induced pepper tissues than diseased tissues. Expression of CaPFl is also induced upon various abiotic stresses including ethephon, MeJA, cold stress, drought stress and salt stress treatments. To study the role of CPFI in plant, transgenic Arabidopsis and tobacco plants which express higher level of pepper CaPFl were generated. Global gene expression analysis of transgenic Arabidopsis by cDNA microarray indicated that expression of CaPFl in transgenic plants affect the expression of quite a few GCC box and DRE/CRT box-containing genes. Furthermore, the transgenic Arabidopsis and tobacco plant, expressing CaPFl showed tolerance against freezing temperature and enhanced resistance to Pseudomonas syrnigae pv. tabaci. Taken together, these results indicated that CaPFl is a novel EREBP/AP2 transcription factor in hot pepper plant and it may has a significant role(s) in regulation of biotic and abiotic stresses in plant.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Plant Pathology Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.77.1-77
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• 2003

We have isolated a full-length cDNA clone, CaCDPK4 encoding a typical calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) from hot pepper cDNA library. Genomic southern blot analysis showed that it belongs to a multigene family, but represents a single copy gone in hot pepper genome. RNA expression pattern of this gene revealed that it is induced by infiltration of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines Bra into hot pepper leaves but not by water deficit stress. However, high salt treatment of NaCl (0.4 M) solution to hot pepper plants strongly induced CaCDPK4 gene. In addition, this gene is weakly responsive to the exogenous application of salicylic acid or ethephon. Biochemical study of the GST-CaCDPK4 recominant protein showed that it autophosphorylates in vitro and the presence of EGTA, a calcium chelater, eliminates the kinase activity of the recombinant protein. As a way to identify the in vivo function of CaCDPK4 in plants, VIGS (Virus-Induced Gene Silencing) was employed. Agrobacterium-mediated TRV silencing construct containing the kinase and calmodulin domain of CaCDPK4 resulted in cell death of Nicotiana benthamiana plants. A highly homologous H benthamiana CDPK gene, NbCDPK5, to CaCDPK4 was cloned from N. benthamiana cDNA library. VIGS of NbCDPK5 also resulted in cell death. The molecular characterization of this cell death phenotype is being under investigation.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.85-90
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• 2001

To study the signaling effect of growth hormone (GH) in vivo on animal physiology, transgenic mice containing GH Receptor (GHR) gene fused to metallothionein promoter were produced by DNA microinjection into one-cell stage embryos. Three founder mice were produced with transgenic mice with approximately 4~6 copies of GHR genes and transgene was transmitted into the progeny. The founder mice were mated with normal mice to produce F$_1$ mice, and intergation and transmission of transgene were checked by polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot methods. Transmission rate of GHR transgenic mice were 20~50% in F$_1$ generation and 50% in F$_2$ generation which means that some founder mice were mosaic and transgene in F$_1$ mice was transmitted to F$_2$ progeny with Mendelian ratio. Death rate of GHR transgenic mice after birth was about 10~30% in F$_1$ and F$_2$ progenies indicating that GHR gene may affect death of transgnenic progeny.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.173-180
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• 2007

The full-length cDNA of LeAPR1 encoded a protein of 461 amino acid residues, which contained homology with phosphoadenosine phosphosulphate reductase (PAPS reductase) in N-terminal and an adenylylsulfate reductase in N-term and C-terminal. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence of LeAPR1 revealed that it shares high sequence identity with potato StAPR (96% identity)(Gene bank accession no. CDC44841). We found that multiple copies of LeAPR1 gene are present in the tomato genome through southern blot using genomic DNA was digested with 3 different restriction enzymes. The expression of LeAPR1 was also examined in various organs and its expression was also detected at high levels in roots and stems. Only high amounts of LeAPR1 transcripts were detected at high transcripts in the leaves at time 0, and then reduced as the plant stressed by the NaCl and abscisic acid (ABA). After 24h treatment of NaCl and ABA were showed increasing patterns of LeAPR1 gene. Time course of LeAPR1 gene expression was examined under oxidative stresses from metyl viologen (MV) and hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$). In the presence of 10 mM $H_2O_2$ and $50\;{\mu}M$ MV, the levels of LeAPR1 transcript in leaves decreased after 1 h, and then increased strongly, peaked at 24 h. Our results indicated that LeAPR1 may play a role function of circadian regulation involved in abiotic stresses signaling pathways.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.19-26
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• 2001

Transformed Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells expressing baculovirus very late factor (VLF-1) were constructed by using Autograha nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) immediate earthy gene (ie1). Neomycin-resistance gene as a selectable marker was introduced under the control of AcNPV ie1 promoter, and Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis (BmNPV-K1) vlf-1 gene was introduced under the control of the Drosophila heat shock protein gene (hspr70) promoter to yield dual expression plasmid with two independent transcription units. It was transfected into Sf9 cells and cell clones expressing vlf-1 were selected by G4l8 treatment. Genomic DNA from transformed cells was isolated and integration of AcNPV iel harboring vlf-1 was confirmed by PCR using AcNPV iel-specific primers and Southern blot analysis. The transformed cells expressing VLF-1 in an infection-independent manner expressed foreign gene product of recombinant baculovirus in the earlier stage of infection compared with control Sf9 cells. These results suggest the possible to develop highly efficient transformed insect cells for baculovirus expression vector system.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.49-55
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• 2003

We describe the generation of transgenic silkworm that carrying the chimeric fibroin light chain (L-chain) gene. Previously, we have cloned the complete fibroin L-chain gene from the silkworm Baekok-Jam, Bombyx mori, and the complete fibroin gene from the oak silkworm, Antheraea yamamai. The 444 bp repetitive sequence of A. yamamai fibroin gene was inserted into the exon 6 of B. mori fibroin L-chain gene to produce chimeric fibroin L-chain gene. The chimeric fibroin L-chain gene was cloned into the polyhedrin gene site of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) to yield a recombinant baculovirus as a fibroin gene targeting vector, One-day-old fifth instar female silkworm larvae were injected with the recombinant baculovirus and then mated with normal male moths. Genomic DNA from their progenies was extracted and screened for the desired targeting event by using PCR and Southern blot analysis. The analysis showed that the chimeric fibroin gene had intergrated into the L-chain gene on the genome by homologous recombination and was transmitted through generations. The transgenic silkworm carrying the chimeric fibroin gene were approximately 43.2% in $F_2$ generation, and the silkworms synthesized the fusion protein in cocoons layer.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.239-245
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• 2011

The overexpression of Phosphoprotein Enriched in Astrocytes (PEA15) gene is commonly found in human diabetic patients. The overexpression of this gene in skeletal muscle and fat tissues have been reported to cause insulin resistance, thereby impairing insulin stimulated glucose uptake. We introduced a gene of mouse PEA15 (mPEA15) and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) into fertilized one cell pig zygotes using microinjection, and produced a piglet that showed overexpression of mPEA15 in the muscle tissues and expression of EGFP in the ear tissues and hooves. RT-PCR RFLP, southern blot and FISH analysis showed that the tissues carried the transgene. Real-time RT-PCR and western blots demonstrated that PEA15 gene was overexpressed in the various tissues and muscle tissues, respectively. These fads suggest that expression vector system is normally expressed in the transgenic (TG) pigs. To use as animal diseases model for type 2 diabetes, further study is necessary to confirm whether diabetes occur in these TG pigs, especially insulin resistance.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.421-426
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• 2002

The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC), a member of $\alpha$-keto acid dehydrogenase complex, catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate with the formation of $CO_2$, acetyl-CoA, NADH, and $H^+$. This complex contains multiple copies of three catalytic components including pyruvate dehydrogenase (E1), dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase (E2), and dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (E3). Two regulatory components (E1-kinase and phospho-E1 phosphatase) and functionally less-understood protein (protein X, E3BP) are also involved in the formation of the complex. In this study, we have partially cloned the gene for E3BP in human. Nine putative clones were isolated by human genomic library screening with 1.35 kb fragment of E3BP cDNA as a probe. For investigation of cloned genes, Southern blot analysis and the construction of the restriction map were performed. One of the isolated clones, E3BP741, has a 3 kb-SacI fragment, which contains 200 bp region matched with E3BP cDNA sequences. The matched DNA sequence encodes the carboxyl-terminal portion of lipoyl-bearing domain and hinge region of human E3BP. Differences between yeast E3BP and mammalian E3BP coupled with the remarkable similarity between mammalian E2 and mammalian E3BP were confirmed from the comparison of the nucleotide sequence and the deduced amino acid sequence in the cloned E3BP. Cloning of human E3BP gene and analysis of the gene structure will facilitate the understanding of the role(s) of E3BP in mammalian PDC.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.674-680
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• 2013

Yeast Dekkera/Brettanomyces bruxellensis is probably the most common contaminant in wineries and ethanol production processes. The considerable economic losses caused by this yeast, but also its ability to produce and tolerate high ethanol concentrations, make it an attractive subject for research with potential for industrial applications. Unfortunately, efforts to understand the biology of D. bruxellensis and facilitate its broader use in industry are hampered by the lack of adequate procedures for delivery of exogenous DNA into this organism. Here we describe the development of transformation protocols (spheroplast transformation, LiAc/PEG method, and electroporation) and report the first genetic transformation of yeast D. bruxellensis. A linear heterologous DNA fragment carrying the kanMX4 sequence was used for transformation, which allowed transformants to be selected on plates containing geneticin. We found the spheroplast transformation method using 1M sorbitol as osmotic stabilizer to be inappropriate because sorbitol strikingly decreases the plating efficiency of both D. bruxellensis spheroplast and intact cells. However, we managed to modify the LiAc/PEG transformation method and electroporation to accommodate D. bruxellensis transformation, achieving efficiencies of 0.6-16 and 10-20 transformants/${\mu}g$ DNA, respectively. The stability of the transformants ranged from 93.6% to 100%. All putative transformants were analyzed by Southern blot using the kanMX4 sequence as a hybridization probe, which confirmed that the transforming DNA fragment had integrated into the genome. The results of the molecular analysis were consistent with the expected illegitimate integration of a heterologous transforming fragment.