Determining the genetic diversity and source rookeries of sea turtles collected from feeding grounds can facilitate effective conservation initiatives. To ascertain the genetic composition and source rookery, we examined a partial sequence of the mitochondrial control region (CR, 796 bp) of 40 green turtles () collected from feeding grounds around the Korean Peninsula between 2014 and 2022. We conducted genetic and mixed-stock analyses (MSA) and identified 10 CR haplotypes previously reported in Japanese populations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUnderstanding brain function is essential for advancing our comprehension of human cognition, behavior, and neurological disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) stands out as a powerful tool for exploring brain function, providing detailed insights into its structure and physiology. Combining MRI technology with electrophysiological recording system can enhance the comprehension of brain functionality through synergistic effects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF(FV3) in the genus of the family causes mass mortality in both anurans and urodeles worldwide; however, the phylogenetic origin of FV3-like ranaviruses is not well established. In Asia, three FV3-like ranaviruses have been reported in farmed populations of amphibians and reptiles. Here, we report the first case of endemic FV3-like ranavirus infections in the Korean clawed salamander , caught in wild mountain streams in the Republic of Korea (ROK), through whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNumerous wireless optogenetic systems have been reported for practical tether-free optogenetics in freely moving animals. However, most devices rely on battery-powered or coil-powered systems requiring periodic battery replacement or bulky, high-cost charging equipment with delicate antenna design. This leads to spatiotemporal constraints, such as limited experimental duration due to battery life or animals' restricted movement within specific areas to maintain wireless power transmission.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFConservation assessments are essential for preserving biodiversity. However, many reptile species have not been evaluated owing to data deficiencies. The Slender racer (Orientocoluber spinalis) is threatened in four out of six inhabiting countries.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFStudies using complete mitochondrial genome data have the potential to increase our understanding on gene organisations and evolutionary species relationships. In this study, we compared complete mitochondrial genomes between all 22 squamate species listed in South Korea. In addition, we constructed Maximum Parsimony (MP), Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI) phylogenetic trees using 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWith most sea turtle populations declining, activities to conserve their habitat and nesting grounds and restore their populations are being implemented worldwide. To preserve the Northwestern Pacific populations, the National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea has been releasing artificially propagated sea turtles, but whether these individuals join the wild population remains unknown. The present study aimed to determine the movement patterns of artificially propagated juvenile loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) turtles fitted with satellite transmitters on their carapaces and released in the waters of Jeju or Yeosu, Republic of Korea, between August 2018 and April 2022.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSpecies distribution models (SDMs) across past, present, and future timelines provide insights into the current distribution of these species and their reaction to climate change. Specifically, if a species is threatened or not well-known, the information may be critical to understand that species. In this study, we computed SDMs for , a monotypic snake genus found in central and northeast Asia, across the past (last interglacial, last glacial maximum, and mid-Holocene), present, and future (2070s).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTo cope with amphibian die-offs caused by ranavirus, it is important to know the underlying ranavirus prevalence in a region. We studied the ranavirus prevalence in tadpoles of two native and one introduced anuran species inhabiting agricultural and surrounding areas at 49 locations across eight provinces of South Korea by applying qPCR. The local ranavirus prevalence and the individual infection rates at infected locations were 32.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMitochondrial DNA B Resour
January 2020
In this study, we provide the first report of the complete mitochondrial genomic sequencing of a yellow-bellied sea snake () that has the broadest distribution range of all Squamata species. The mitogenome length was 18,101 bp and consisted of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 3 non-coding regions. The sequence presented could be very useful for further phylogenetic and evolutionary studies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMitochondrial DNA A DNA Mapp Seq Anal
April 2020
To understand the genetic diversity and dispersal history of Schlegel's Japanese gecko (), we performed genetic analyses and paleo-species distributional modelling. For the genetic analysis, we analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) (cytochrome b [] and NADH dehydrogenase 2 []) and seven microsatellite loci of 353 individuals from 11 populations (2 east coast China, 4 west and central coast Japan and 5 Korea). For the paleo-species distribution modelling, we used 432 occurrence data points (125 China, 291 Japan and 16 Korea) over the Pleistocene and Holocene.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMitochondrial DNA B Resour
July 2019
In this study, we provide the first report of the complete mitochondrial genome of . The mitogenome length is 18,259 bp and includes 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and three non-coding regions. The sequence presented could be very useful for further phylogenetic and evolutionary study.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMitochondrial DNA A DNA Mapp Seq Anal
July 2018
To investigate the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Laticauda to related higher taxa, we compared the sequences of four mitochondrial genes (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, ND4, Cytb) from three Laticauda species (L. colubrina, L. laticaudata, and L.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMarine reptiles are declining globally, and recent climate change may be a contributing factor. The study of sea snakes collected beyond their typical distribution range provides valuable insight on how climate change affects marine reptile populations. Recently, we collected 12 Laticauda semifasciata (11 females, 1 male) from the waters around southern South Korea-an area located outside its typical distribution range (Japan, China including Taiwan, Philippines and Indonesia).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHere, we report the complete mitochondrial genomes of the skink species and . The mitogenomes were determined to be 17103 bp for and 17212 bp for . The mitogenomes consist of 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and two non-coding regions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMitochondrial DNA A DNA Mapp Seq Anal
September 2016
We have determined the complete mitochondrial genome of Gekko japonicus, whose status as an endemic or invasive species is currently under debate in Korea. The total genome size is 16 544 bp and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA (12S and 16S RNA) genes, 22 tRNAs and 2 non-coding regions. The A + T content of the genome is 55.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAlthough multiple transcription factors (TFs) have been characterized via mutagenesis to understand their roles in controlling pathogenicity and infection-related development in Magnaporthe oryzae, the causal agent of rice blast, if and how forkhead-box (FOX) TFs contribute to these processes remain to be characterized. Four putative FOX TF genes were identified in the genome of M. oryzae, and phylogenetic analysis suggested that two of them (MoFKH1 and MoHCM1) correspond to Ascomycota-specific members of the FOX TF family while the others (MoFOX1 and MoFOX2) are Pezizomycotina-specific members.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUsing two-step-PCR screening which consists of direct and priority-based PCR and inverse PCR, fungal gene-deletion mutants were selected quickly and accurately. It omits genomic DNA extraction and Southern blotting steps and prevents misinterpretations caused by PCR failure. It is anticipated to facilitate large-scale reverse genetic studies in fungi.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEukaryot Cell
November 2013
Rapidly increasing fungal genome sequences call for efficient ways of generating mutants to translate quickly gene sequences into their functions. A reverse genetic strategy via targeted gene replacement (TGR) has been inefficient for many filamentous fungi due to dominant production of undesirable ectopic transformants. Although large-scale random insertional mutagenesis via transformation (i.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTo cope with a lifetime of exposure to a variety of pathogens, plants have developed exquisite and refined defense mechanisms that vary depending on the type of attacking pathogen. Defense-associated transcriptional reprogramming is a central part of plant defense mechanisms. Chromatin modification has recently been shown to be another layer of regulation for plant defense mechanisms.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRice blast, caused by the pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, is a serious hindrance to rice production and has emerged as an important model for the characterization of molecular mechanisms relevant to pathogenic development in plants. Similar to other pathogenic fungi, conidiation plays a central role in initiation of M.oryzae infection and spread over a large area.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThree key factors involved in successful plant disease development include the presence of a susceptible host, a virulent pathogen, and a disease-conducive environment. Our understanding of how environmental factors influence disease-conducive or disease-suppressive conditions, and how a pathogen advantageously capitalizes on them, is quite limited. Utilizing the model pathosystem Magnaporthe oryzae-Oryza sativa, we found a significant light-dependent disease suppression.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis descriptive study concerned whether language use differs across age groups of Korean participants. Language use by Koreans in their 20s, 40s, and 60s were compared using the Korean Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count. Analysis showed that Koreans in their 60s used as many phrases and morphemes per sentence as younger people, which reflects similar complexity of language.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF