The human eyelid adipose-derived stem cells (HEACs) are known as a candidate source for stem cell-based therapy. HEACs possess the ability to proliferate in vitro and multipotency to differentiate into adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic cells. To be used later than the time of collection, a long-term storage is needed. In this study, we investigated stem cell characteristics after cryopreservation of HEACs for 6 months and 1 year in liquid nitrogen. Frozen-thawed stem cells have shown that cumulative cell and doubling numbers were similar to those of fresh HEACs. After thawing, HEACs expressed stem cell-related genes of SCF, NANOG, OCT4, and TERT, ectoderm-related genes of NCAM and FGF5, mesoderm/endoderm-related genes of CK18 and VIM. They also consistently expressed transcripts of the immune-related genes of HLA-ABC and β2M. To induce mesodermal differentiation, cell were cultivated in adipogenic, osteogenic or chondrogenic medium for 2～3 weeks. After each differentiation culture, HEACs expressed adipocyte-, osteocyte- and chondrocytespecific genes. They were also stained with Oil red O, von Kossa, or alcian blue, revealing adipogenic, osteogenic, or chondrogenic character, respectively. The results suggest that long-term storage up to 1 year do not affect their biological properties, HEACs may be suitable for clinical application on cell-based therapies.

"Chuyoung" as a new double cropping potato variety was bred in 2005 for table use through a cross between "Dejima" with short tuber dormancy and HRB-31 which is a tetraploid derived from an interspecific cross between "Russet Burbank" and Solanum phureja line. It was evaluated for short dormancy, growth and tuber characteristics every twice a year from 1997 to 2001. Regional yield trials were performed from 2002 to 2004 at three locations, Jeju, Namhae and Gangneung of Korea, respectively. Its tuber shape is oblong with yellow skin and flesh colors. Its dormant periods is 60~70days. It showed less incidence of physiological disorders such as cracking or knobs on tubers, and higher resistance to common scab by Streptomyces scabies compared to "Dejima". It has tall plant height and erect growth type with green-broad leaflets and white large inflorescence. Its average yields are 29.5 and 22.6 ton/ha at 90 days after planting in spring and autumn cropping, respectively. It also showed higher marketable yield due to the lower incidence of common scab and physiological disorders compared to "Dejima".