This study investigated the photosynthetic responses of the CAM ornamental plant Schlumbergera truncata ‘Pink Dew’ under low-temperature greenhouse conditions to evaluate the potential for energy-saving cultivation. Greenhouse production requires substantial energy for heating, and reducing temperature is a possible strategy to save energy. However, low temperatures can suppress photosynthesis and plant growth. CAM plants, which absorb CO2 mainly at night, may respond differently to temperature, making it important to determine temperature ranges that maintain carbon assimilation while reducing energy use. Plants were grown in a greenhouse at average temperatures of 15/11°C (January, early flowering) and 21/12°C (March, late flowering). Gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), and growth characteristics were measured, with comparisons made between top and second phylloclades. Results showed that during the early-flowering period, total net CO2 uptake was negative, indicating suppressed carbon assimilation under low temperature. During the late-flowering period, net CO2 uptake became positive, suggesting recovery of photosynthetic activity as temperatures increased. The second phylloclades generally exhibited higher CO2 uptake than the top phylloclades. The maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) increased from early to late flowering but remained below optimal values, indicating that plants experienced low temperature stress but maintained moderate photosynthetic function, suggesting some degree of acclimation. Morphological observations showed phylloclade discoloration and occasional lesions, which were consistent with symptoms of cold stress, although plants continued to grow and produce flower buds. Overall, the results indicate that low temperatures below the optimal range can suppress photosynthesis in S. truncata, but the plants retain a capacity for acclimation and recovery. These findings contribute to understanding the temperature sensitivity of CAM photosynthesis and may help define energy-saving temperature strategies in greenhouse cultivation.

본 리뷰는 수국속 식물 육종 연구에서 종 활용, 교잡, 생식･생 물학적 특성, 그리고 품종 보호의 전개 양상을 종합적으로 정리 하였다. 수국속 식물 육종은 내환경성과 관상적 특성의 혼합을 위한 종내･외 교잡 과정에서는 일방적 불친화성, 자가불화합성, 수정 후 장벽과 같은 교배 친화성 문제가 실생 확보를 제한하는 주요 요인으로 작용해 왔다. 이러한 한계를 극복하기 위한 보조 기술로서 배주 배양은 종간 교잡에서 중요한 역할을 수행해 왔 다. 이러한 육종 과정의 성과는 최종적으로 품종 출원 및 등록 자료로 축적되며, 자료 분석을 통해 수국속 식물 육종의 출발점 과 변화 양상을 확인하였다. 국내 품종 출원 기록은 현재의 육종 과 시장 흐름이 관상 가치와 재배 안정성을 동시에 추구하는 방향으로 변화하고 있음을 보여주었다. 결과적으로, 본 리뷰는 교배 연구와 보조 기술, 품종보호 기록을 연계해 국내 수국속 식물 품종 개발의 연구 및 전략적 방향을 제시한다.

한우 암소의 번식형질은 생산성과 직결되는 핵심 경제형질로서 개량의 중요성이 크다. 본 연구는 혈통 정보와 유전체 정보를 통합하는 single-step genome-wide association study (ssGWAS)를 적용하여 한우 암소 번식형질과 연관된 유전체 영역을 탐색하고 기능적 후보 유전자를 제시하고자 하였다. 분석에는 초산우의 초산일령과 경산우의 임신기간, 공태일수, 분만간격, 수태당 종부횟수의 표현형 자료가 활용되었으며, 총 809두의 초산우 와 789두의 경산우가 포함되었다. ssGWAS 결과 대부분의 SNP 표지인자는 전체 상가적 유전분산의 1% 미만을 설명하였으나 일부 염색체에서 뚜렷한 피크가 관찰되었다. 이에 전체 상가적 유전분산의 1% 이상을 설명하는 SNP 윈도우를 선별한 후 물리적 위치가 인접한 윈도우를 병합하여 peak interval로 정의하였고, 각 peak 내에서 변이 설명 비율이 최대인 SNP를 lead SNP로 지정하였다. 이후 후보 유전자 탐색 및 기능 주석 분석을 수행하였고, CattleQTLdb를 활용하여 기존 보고된 번식형질 관련 QTL/association 영역과의 중복 여부를 확인하였다. 기능 풍부도 분석에서 는 자궁·태반 조직 재형성과 관련된 proteolysis 조절 기작과, 정자 기능 및 수정능력과 연관된 기능 항목이 확인되어 번식 과정의 주요 생물학적 경로를 시사하였다. 또한 기존 보고와 중복되지 않는 신규 후보 QTL 영역을 다수 검출하여 번식형질의 유전적 기반에 대한 추가 단서를 제공하였다. 본 연구 결과는 한우 암소 번식 형질과 관련된 유전체 영역 및 유전자 기능적 근거를 제시함으로써, 향후 암소의 유전체 선발 및 번식 능력 개량을 위한 기초 자료로 활용될 수 있을 것이다.

Background: Cows have an increased need for energy after calving due to milk production for nursing calves and the recovery of reproductive performance. Blood metabolites are associated with the reproductive ability of primiparous Hanwoo cows, but the relationship between changes in blood metabolite concentrations and reproductive ability remains unclear. The present study investigated the relationship between changes in blood metabolites from 2 to 5 weeks after calving and the recovery of reproductive ability in primiparous Hanwoo cows. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 26 primiparous Hanwoo cows of average body condition score 3.0 (range, 1-5) weekly from 2 to 7 weeks postpartum and at the time of estrus, and the concentrations of blood metabolites were measured. Changes in blood metabolite concentrations were found to be associated with the recovery of reproductive function after calving. Results: The concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 3 to 4 weeks after calving were significantly associated with the first days of ovulation. Ovulation resumed when the average NEFA concentration reached 199.0 μEq/L, and the first normal estrus cycle was established when the average total cholesterol (T-Chol) concentration reached 169.1 mg/dL. Conclusions: Metabolic status 3 to 4 weeks postpartum influenced the resumption of estrus and ovulation in primiparous Hanwoo cows. Furthermore, increased T-Chol concentration was associated with the initiation of a normal estrus cycle.

Developing reliable models that capture the complexity of maternal– embryonic interactions and implantation is essential for deepening our understanding of early embryonic development as well as the underlying mechanisms of reproductive disorders. Conventional two-dimensional (2D) culture systems, however, fall short in accurately replicating the dynamic and multilayered in vivo microenvironment. In contrast, three-dimensional (3D) organoid technologies have recently emerged as a transformative approach, offering structurally and functionally relevant platforms that better reflect physiological conditions. This review highlights the latest strategies, innovations, and methodological advances in employing 3D organoids to model maternal–embryonic communication and implantation processes. It also outlines their growing potential in research applications and personalized medicine, particularly within the context of assisted reproductive technologies. Furthermore, the review discusses future directions for organoid-based studies from the endometrium, oviduct, ovary, testis, and epididymis have been established, their integration with gametes and embryos marks a new frontier. Cross-species work, especially your pioneering studies on endometrial organoids and lacunoids/cystoids, opens translational opportunities for understanding maternal–embryonic crosstalk, implantation biology, and fertility disorders. The review will discuss current advances, technical challenges, and future directions toward interconnected organoid systems (organoid-on-chip).

As space missions extend in duration, the impact of spaceflight on human reproduction poses serious biomedical challenges. The reproductive system is susceptible to microgravity, ionizing radiation, and circadian disruption. This review summarizes current evidence on how space environments affect reproductive function, focusing on gametogenesis, hormonal regulation, pregnancy, and embryonic development. We reviewed data from rodent models, parabolic flight experiments, and space-exposed cellular systems to assess the effect of space-relevant stressors on reproductive health. Findings show that microgravity impairs sperm motility and hormonal balance, while radiation increases DNA fragmentation and induces heritable epigenetic changes. Female reproductive health is similarly affected, with radiation accelerating follicular loss and hormonal disruption impairing ovulation. Early pregnancy stages, including implantation and placental development, are especially vulnerable to space conditions. Rodent studies indicate that while basic fertility may persist, the long-term effect on offspring health and multi-generational outcomes remains unclear. These findings highlight the need for targeted countermeasures and continued research to ensure reproductive success in future space missions.

Progesterone is a key steroid hormone secreted by the ovarian corpus luteum and plays a critical role in regulating the reproductive cycle and maintaining pregnancy in animals. Following ovulation, progesterone prepares the endometrium for embryo implantation by promoting glandular secretion and inhibiting uterine smooth muscle contractions, thereby creating a stable environment for gestation. It also exerts negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, suppressing the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, and preventing the maturation of additional follicles within the same reproductive cycle. In veterinary reproductive management, progesterone is widely applied through estrus synchronization and pregnancy diagnosis protocols. Hormonal control programs such as controlled internal drug release, Altrenogest, and Ovsynch utilize progesterone or its analogs to improve breeding efficiency, particularly in livestock. Thus, ovarian secretion of progesterone is not only essential for physiological reproduction but also serves as a central mechanism in modern reproductive biotechnology.

본 연구는 참문어 Octopus vulgaris의 생식잠재력을 평가하여 생물자원 관리를 위한 정보를 제공하고자 하였다. 시료는 2022년 5월부터 2023년 9월까지 여수 및 완도 인근 해역에서 문어단지 및 통발을 이용하여 전중 64.5-1,598.5 g의 1,821개체를 채집하였다. 성비(암:수)는 1:0.82 (n=1,001:820, 암컷 55.0%)로 암컷의 비율이 유의하게 높았다. 암컷에서 50% 군성숙 크기는 전중 169.3 g이었다. 암컷의 절대포란수는 평균 116,602.7개로 전중과의 상관관계가 있었으며, 상대포란수는 전중 g당 123.8개로 분석되었다. 수컷의 절대정포수는 평균 123.9개였으며, 상대정포수는 전중 g당 0.23개로 나타났다. 본 연구 결과는 추후 참문어의 자원량 추정에 사용될 것으로 판단된다.