Journal of Microbiology

Volume 42(4); December 2004

Reviews

Strategies Against Human Papillomavirus Infection and Cervical Cancer: Woon-Won Jung , Taehoon Chun , Donggeun Sul , Kwang Woo Hwang , Hyung-Sik Kang , Duck Joo Lee , In-Kwon Han; J. Microbiol. 2004;42(4):255-266.; DOI: https://doi.org/2112 [pii]

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Abstract: Papillomaviruses infect a wide variety of animals, including humans. The human papillomavirus (HPV), in particular, is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted disease. More than 200 types of HPV have been identified by DNA sequence data, and 85 HPV genotypes have been well characterized to date. HPV can infect the basal epithelial cells of the skin or inner tissue linings, and are, accordingly, categorized as either cutaneous or mucosal type. HPV is associated with a panoply of clinical conditions, ranging from innocuous lesions to cervical cancer. In the early 1980s, studies first reported a link between cervical cancer and genital HPV infection. Genital HPV infections are now recognized to be a major risk factor in at least 95% of cervical cancers. 30 different HPV genotypes have been identified as causative of sexually transmitted diseases, most of which induce lesions in the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, and anus, as the result of sexual contact. There is also direct evidence demonstrating that at least four of these genotypes are prerequisite factors in cervical cancer. The main aim of this review was to evaluate the current literature regarding the pathovirology, diagnostics, vaccines, therapy, risk groups, and further therapeutic directions for HPV infections. In addition, we reviewed the current status of HPV infections in South Korean women, as evidenced by our data.

Effects of Elevated Atmospheric CO_2 Concentrations on Soil Microorganisms: Chris Freeman , Seon-Young Kim , Seung-Hoon Lee , Hojeong Kang; J. Microbiol. 2004;42(4):267-277.; DOI: https://doi.org/2111 [pii]

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Abstract: Effects of elevated CO_2 on soil microorganisms are known to be mediated by various interactions with plants, for which such effects are relatively poorly documented. In this review, we summarize and synthesize results from studies assessing impacts of elevated CO_2 on soil ecosystems, focusing primarily on plants and a variety the of microbial processes. The processes considered include changes in microbial biomass of C and N, microbial number, respiration rates, organic matter decomposition, soil enzyme activities, microbial community composition, and functional groups of bacteria mediating trace gas emission such as methane and nitrous oxide. Elevated CO_2 in atmosphere may enhance certain microbial processes such as CH_4 emission from wetlands due to enhanced carbon supply from plants. However, responses of extracellular enzyme activities and microbial community structure are still controversy, because interferences with other factors such as the types of plants, nutrient availabilitial in soil, soil types, analysis methods, and types of CO_2 fumigation systems are not fully understood.

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'ts

Monitoring of Bacterial Community in a Coniferous Forest Soil After a Wildfire: Ok-Sun Kim , Jae-Jun Yoo , Dong-Hun Lee , Tae-Seok Ahn , Hong-Gyu Song; J. Microbiol. 2004;42(4):278-284.; DOI: https://doi.org/2110 [pii]

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Abstract: Changes in the soil bacterial community of a coniferous forest were analyzed to assess microbial responses to wildfire. Soil samples were collected from three different depths in lightly and severely burned areas, as well as a nearby unburned control area. Direct bacterial counts ranged from 3.3-22.6 x10^8 cells/(g . soil). In surface soil, direct bacterial counts of unburned soil exhibited a great degree of fluctuation. Those in lightly burned soil changed less, but no significant variation was observed in the severely burned soil. The fluctuations of direct bacterial count were less in the middle and deep soil layers. The structure of the bacterial community was analyzed via the fluorescent in situ hybridization method. The number of bacteria detected with the eubacteria-targeted probe out of the direct bacterial count varied from 30.3 to 84.7%, and these ratios were generally higher in the burned soils than in the unburned control soils. In the surface unburned soil, the ratios of [alpha]-, [beta]- and [gamma]-proteobacteria, Cytophaga-Flavobacterium group, and other eubacteria groups to total eubacteria were 9.9, 10.6, 15.5, 9.0, and 55.0%, respectively, and these ratios were relatively stable. The ratios of [alpha]-, [beta]- and [gamma]-proteobacteria, and Cytophaga-Flavobacterium group to total eubacteria increased immediately after the wildfire, and the other eubacterial proportions decreased in the surface and middle layer soils. By way of contrast, the composition of the 5 groups of eubacteria in the subsurface soil exhibited no significant fluctuations during the entire period. The total bacterial population and bacterial community structure disturbed by wildfire soon began to recover, and original levels seemed to be restored 3 months after the wildfire.

Monitoring of Soil Bacterial Community and Some Inoculated Bacteria After Prescribed Fire in Microcosm: Hong-Gyu Song , Ok-Sun Kim , Jae-Jun Yoo , Sun-Ok Jeon , Sun-Hee Hong , Dong-Hun Lee , Tae-Seok Ahn; J. Microbiol. 2004;42(4):285-291.; DOI: https://doi.org/2109 [pii]

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Abstract: The soil bacterial community and some inoculated bacteria were monitored to assess the microbial responses to prescribed fire in their microcosm. An acridine orange direct count of the bacteria in the unburned control soil were maintained at a relatively stable level (2.0~2.7 x10^9 cells/g^-1 . soil) during the 180 day study period. The number of bacteria in the surface soil was decreased by fire, but was restored after 3 months. Inoculation of some bacteria increased the number of inoculated bacteria several times and these elevated levels lasted several months. The ratios of eubacteria detected by a fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) method to direct bacterial count were in the range of 60~80% during the study period, with the exception of some lower values at the beginning, but there were no definite differences between the burned and unburned soils or the inoculated and uninoculated soils. In the unburned control soil, the ratios of [alpha]-, [beta]- and [gamma]-subgroups of the proteobacteria, Cytophaga-Flavobacterium and other eubacteria groups to that of the entire eubacteria were 13.7, 31.7, 17.1, 16.8 and 20.8%, respectively, at time 0. The overall change on the patterns of the ratios of the 5 subgroups of eubacteria in the uninoculated burned and inoculated soils were similar to those of the unburned control soil, with the exception of some minor variations during the initial period. The proportions of each group of eubacteria became similar in the different microcosms after 6 months, which may indicate the recovery of the original soil microbial community structure after fire or the inoculation of some bacteria. The populations of Azotobacter vinelandii, Bacillus megaterium and Pseudomonas fluorescens, which had been inoculated to enhance the microbial activities, and monitored by FISH method, showed similar changes in the microcosms, and maintained high levels for several months.

Introduction of Saxicolous Lichens Distributed in Coastal Rocks of U-do Islet in Jeju, Korea: Hyung-Yeel Kahng , Byoung-Jun Yoon , Sung-Hyun Kim , Duck-Ja Shin , Jae-Seoun Hur , Hyun-Woo Kim , Eui-Sung Kang , Kye-Heon Oh , Young Jin Koh; J. Microbiol. 2004;42(4):292-298.; DOI: https://doi.org/2108 [pii]

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Abstract: This study reports, for the first time, the ivestigation of the distribution of Korean saxicolous lichens in the coastal rocks of U-do islet, which is known as an unpolluted zone in Jeju. More than thirty lichens were obtained and investigated from the coastal rocks frequently contacted by seawater. A molecular analysis using PCR amplification of the rRNA ITS regions revealed the coastal rock lichens could be placed into 8 families and 14 genera, Ramalinaceae (Bacidia, Ramalina), Physciaceae (Buellia, Dirinaria, Phaeophyscia, Physcia, Pyxine), Lecanoraceae (Candelaria, Lecanora), Parmeliaceae (Xanthoparmelia), Graphidaceae (Graphis), Pertusariaceae (Pertusaria), Rhizocarpaceae (Rhizocarpon), and Teloschistaceae (Caloplaca), showing a diversity of lichens, with foliose (flat leaf-like), crustose (crust-like), and fruticose (miniature shrub-like) life forms might be distributed in the coastal rocks. These findings suggested the possibility that the lichens identified in the present work might be resistant to a salty environment.

Detection of Enterovirus, Cytomegalovirus, and Chlamydia pneumoniae in Atheromas: Tae Won Kwon , Do Kyun Kim , Jeong Sook Ye , Won Joo Lee , Mi Sun Moon , Chul Hyun Joo , Heuiran Lee , Yoo Kyum Kim; J. Microbiol. 2004;42(4):299-304.

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Abstract: To investigate the presence of infectious agents in human atherosclerotic arterial tissues. Atherosclerotic plaques were removed from 128 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy or other bypass procedures for occlusive disease, and from twenty normal arterial wall samples, obtained from transplant donors with no history of diabetes, hypertension, smoking, or hyperlipidemia. Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcription-PCR, these samples were analyzed for the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae, cytomegalovirus, enterovirus, adenovirus, herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2, and Epstein-Barr virus. The amplicons were then sequenced, and phylogenetic analyses were performed. Enteroviral RNA was found in 22 of 128 atherosclerotic vascular lesions (17.2%), and C. pneumoniae and cytomegalovirus were each found in 2 samples (1.6%). In contrast, adenovirus, herpes simplex viruses, and Epstein-Barr virus were not identified in any of the atherosclerotic samples. Enterovirus was detected in 6/24 (25.0%) aortas, 7/33 (21.2%) carotid arteries, 6/40 (15.0%) femoral arteries, and 3/31 (9.7%) radial arteries of patients with chronic renal failure. There were no infectious agents detected in any of the control specimens. Using phylogenetic analysis, the enterovirus isolates were clustered into 3 groups, arranged as echovirus 9 and coxsackieviruses B1 and B3. Enteroviral RNA was detected in 17.2% of atherosclerotic plaques, but was not observed in any of the control specimens. This suggests a connection between enteroviral infection and atherosclerosis. These findings differ from those of other studies, which found more frequent incidence of C. pneumoniae and cytomegalovirus infection in atherosclerotic plaques.

Axenic Culture of Gyrodinium impudicum Strain KG03, a Marine Red-tide Microalga that Produces Exopolysaccharide: Joung Han Yim , Hong Kum Lee; J. Microbiol. 2004;42(4):305-314.; DOI: https://doi.org/2106 [pii]

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Abstract: An exopolysaccharide-producing microalgal dinoflagellate was isolated from a red-tide bloom and designated strain KG03. A bacteria-free culture of strain KG03 was achieved using a modified wash with phototaxis and antibiotic treatment. Combined treatment with neomycin and cephalosporin was the most effective for eliminating the bacteria associated with the microalgae. Strain KG03 was identified as Gyrodinium impudicum by analyzing the ITS regions of the 5.8S rDNA, 18S rDNA, morphological phenotype and fatty acid composition. The exopolysaccharide production and cell growth in a 300-ml photobioreactor were increased 2.7- and 2.4-fold, respectively, compared with that in a flask culture at the first isolation step.

Probiotication of Tomato Juice by Lactic Acid Bacteria: Kyung Young Yoon , Edward E. Woodams , Yong D Hang; J. Microbiol. 2004;42(4):315-318.; DOI: https://doi.org/2105 [pii]

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Abstract: This study was undertaken to determine the suitability of tomato juice as a raw material for production of probiotic juice by four lactic acid bacteria (Latobacillus acidophilus LA39, Lactobacillus plantarum C3, Lactobacillus casei A4, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii D7). Tomato juice was inoculated with a 24-h-old culture and incubated at 30oC. Changes in pH, acidity, sugar content, and viable cell counts during fermentation under controlled conditions were measured. The lactic acid cultures reduced the pH to 4.1 or below and increased the acidity to 0.65% or higher, and the viable cell counts (CFU) reached nearly 1.0 to 9.0x10^9/ml after 72 h fermentation. The viable cell counts of the four lactic acid bacteria in the fermented tomato juice ranged from 10^6 to 10^8 CFU/ml after 4 weeks of cold storage at 4oC. Probiotic tomato juice could serve as a health beverage for vegetarians or consumers who are allergic to dairy products.

Expression of the Promoter for the Maltogenic Amylase Gene in Bacillus subtilis 168: Do-Yeon Kim , Choon-Hwan Cha , Wan-Seok Oh , Young-Jun Yoon , Jung-Wan Kim; J. Microbiol. 2004;42(4):319-327.; DOI: https://doi.org/2104 [pii]

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Abstract: An additional amylase, besides the typical a-amylase, was detected for the first time in the cytoplasm of B. subtilis SUH4-2, an isolate from Korean soil. The corresponding gene (bbmA) encoded a maltogenic amylase (MAase) and its sequence was almost identical to the yvdF gene of B. subtilis 168, whose function was unknown. Southern blot analysis using bbmA as the probe indicated that this gene was ubiquitous among various B. subtilis strains. In an effort to understand the physiological function of the bbmA gene in B. subtilis, the expression pattern of the gene was monitored by measuring the [beta]-galactosidase activity produced from the bbmA promoter fused to the amino terminus of the lacZ structural gene, which was then integrated into the amyE locus on the B. subtilis 168 chromosome. The promoter was induced during the mid-log phase and fully expressed at the early stationary phase in defined media containing [beta]-cyclodextrin ([beta]-CD), maltose, or starch. On the other hand, it was kept repressed in the presence of glucose, fructose, sucrose, or glycerol, suggesting that catabolite repression might be involved in the expression of the gene. Production of the [beta]-CD hydrolyzing activity was impaired by the spo0A mutation in B. subtilis 168, indicating the involvement of an additional regulatory system exerting control on the promoter. Inactivation of yvdF resulted in a significant decrease of the [beta]-CD hydrolyzing activity, if not all. This result implied the presence of an additional enzyme(s) that is capable of hydrolyzing [beta]-CD in B. subtilis 168. Based on the results, MAase encoded by bbmA is likely to be involved in maltose and [beta]-CD utilization when other sugars, which are readily usable as an energy source, are not available during the stationary phase.

Characteristics of HIV-Tat Protein Transduction Domain: Jong-Sub Yoon , Yong-Tae Jung , Seong-Karp Hong , Sun-Hwa Kim , Min-Chul Shin , Dong-Gun Lee , Wan-Shik Shin , Woo-Sung Min , Soon-Young Paik; J. Microbiol. 2004;42(4):328-335.; DOI: https://doi.org/2103 [pii]

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Abstract: The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat protein transduction domain (PTD), which contains rich arginine and lysine residues, is responsible for the highly efficient transduction of protein through the plasma membrane. In addition, it can be secreted from infected cells and has the ability to enter neighboring cells. When the PTD of Tat is fused to proteins and exogenously added to cells, the fusion protein can cross plasma membranes. Recent reports indicate that the endogenously expressed Tat fusion protein can demonstrate biodistribution of several proteins. However, intercellular transport and protein transduction have not been observed in some studies. Therefore, this study examined the intercellular transport and protein transduction of the Tat protein. The results showed no evidence of intercellular transport (biodistribution) in a cell culture. Instead, the Tat fusion peptides were found to have a significant effect on the transduction and intercellular localization properties. This suggests that the HIV-1 PTD passes through the plasma membrane in one direction.

Hydrogen Peroxide produced by Two Amino Acid Oxidases Mediates Antibacterial Actions: Hongmin Zhang , Qiuyue Yang , Mingxuan Sun , Maikun Teng , Liwen Niu; J. Microbiol. 2004;42(4):336-339.; DOI: https://doi.org/2102 [pii]

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Abstract: The antibacterial actions of two amino acid oxidases, a D-amino acid oxidase from hog kidney and a L-amino acid oxidase from the venom of Agkistrodon halys, were investigated, demonstrating that both enzymes were able to inhibit the growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and that hydrogen peroxide, a product of their enzymatic reactions, was the antibacterial factor. However, hydrogen peroxide generated in the enzymatic reactions was not sufficient to explain the degree to which bacterial growth was inhibited. A fluorescence labeling assay showed that both of these two enzymes could bind to the surfaces of bacteria. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report regarding the antibacterial activity of the D-amino acid oxidases.

Expression of a Recombinant Cry1Ac Crystal Protein Fused with a Green Fluorescent Protein in Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki Cry-B: Jong Yul Roh , In Hee Lee , Ming Shun Li , Jin Hee Chang , Jae Young Choi , Kyung Saeng Boo , Yeon Ho Je; J. Microbiol. 2004;42(4):340-345.; DOI: https://doi.org/2101 [pii]

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Abstract: To investigate the co-expression and crystallization of a fusion gene between the Bacillus thuringiensis crystal protein and a foreign protein in B. thuringiensis, the expression of the Cry1Ac fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP) genes in a B. thuringiensis Cry-B strain was examined. The cry1Ac gene was cloned in the B. thuringiensis-E. coli shuttle vector, pHT3101, under the control of the native cry1Ac gene promoter, while the GFP gene was inserted into the XhoI site upstream of the proteolytic cleavage site, in the middle region of the cry1Ac gene (pProAc-GFP). The B. thuringiensis Cry-B strain carrying pProAc-GFP (ProAc-GFP/CB) did not produce any inclusion bodies. However, the transformed strain expressed fusion protein forms although the expression level was relatively low. Furthermore, an immunoblot analysis using GFP and Cry1Ac antibodies showed that the fusion protein was not a single species, but rather multiple forms. In addition, the N-terminal fragment of Cry1Ac and a non-fused GFP were also found in the B. thuringiensis Cry-B strain after autolysis. The sporulated cells before autolysis and the spore-crystal mixture after autolysis of ProAc-GFP/CB exhibited insecticidal activities against Plutella xylostella larvae. Accordingly, the current results suggest that a fusion crystal protein produced by the transfomant, ProAc-GFP/CB, can be functionally expressed but easily degraded in B. thuringiensis.

Enzymatic and Non-enzymatic Degradation of Poly (3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyvalerate) Copolyesters Produced by Alcaligenes sp. MT-16: Gang Guk Choi , Hyung Woo Kim , Young Ha Rhee; J. Microbiol. 2004;42(4):346-352.; DOI: https://doi.org/2100 [pii]

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Abstract: Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), poly(3HB-co-3HV), copolyesters with a variety of 3HV contents (ranging from 17 to 60 mol%) were produced by Alcaligenes sp. MT-16 grown on a medium containing glucose and levulinic acid in various ratios, and the effects of hydrophilicity and crystallinity on the degradability of the copolyesters were evaluated. Measurements of thermo-mechanical properties and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in the attenuated total reflectance revealed that the hydrophilicity and crystallinity of poly(3HB-co-3HV) copolyesters decreased as 3HV content in the copolyester increased. When the prepared copolyester film samples were non-enzymatically hydrolysed in 0.01 N NaOH solution, the weights of all samples were found to have undergone no changes over a period of 20 weeks. In contrast, the copolyester film samples were degraded by the action of extracellular polyhydroxybutyrate depolymerase from Emericellopsis minima W2. The overall rate of weight loss was higher in the films containing higher amounts of 3HV, suggesting that the enzymatic degradation of the copolyester is more dependent on the crystallinity of the copolyester than on its hydrophilicity. Our results suggest that the degradability characteristics of poly(3HB-co-3HV) copolyesters, as well as their thermo-mechanical properties, are greatly influenced by the 3HV content in the copolyesters.

Transcriptional Regulation of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe Gene Encoding Glutathione S-Transferase I by a Transcription Factor Pap1: Hong-Gyum Kim , Byung-Chul Kim , Kyunghoon Kim , Eun-Hee Park , Chang-Jin Lim; J. Microbiol. 2004;42(4):353-356.; DOI: https://doi.org/2099 [pii]

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Abstract: In a previous study, a gst gene was isolated from the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This gene was dubbed gst I, and was characterized using the gstI-lacZ fusion plasmid pYSH2000. In this work, four additional fusion plasmids, pYSHSD1, pYSHSD2, pYSHSD3 and pYSHSD4, were constructed, in order to carry (respectively) 770, 551, 358 and 151 bp upstream regions from the translational initiation point. The sequence responsible for induction by aluminum, mercury and hydrogen peroxide was located in the range between -1,088 and -770 bp upstream of the S. pombe gst I gene. The same region was identified to contain the nucleotide sequence responsible for regulation by Pap1, and has one putative Pap1 binding site, TTACGTAT, located in the range between -954 ~ -947 bp upstream of the gst I gene. Negatively acting sequences are located between -1,088 and -151 bp. These findings imply that the Pap1 protein is involved in basal and inducible transcription of the gst I gene in the fission yeast S. pombe.

Bacterial Aggregates Formation After Addition of Glucose in Lake Baikal Water: Lev P. Spiglazov , Valentin V. Drucker , Tae Seok Ahn; J. Microbiol. 2004;42(4):357-360.; DOI: https://doi.org/2098 [pii]

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Abstract: For determining the process of bacterial aggregation, glucose was added into water from Lake Baikal which had been stored for seven months. In the presence of a higher concentration of glucose, the abundance of single bacteria and aggregates were higher, but the biovolumes of both bacteria were similar. Theses results mean that both free-living and aggregated bacteria have similar maximum sizes and that aggregates are forming with available organic materials. With available organic materials, the biovolume of aggregates becomes larger.

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