Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a conventional potent inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis, is being increasingly recognized for its diverse roles beyond bone metabolism. However, the cell-autonomous role of OPG in regulating the differentiation and fate of mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) remains to be fully elucidated. To address this issue, OPG-knockout (OPG-KO) human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived MPCs were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Transcriptomics revealed that OPG deficiency fundamentally alters the functional landscape of the MPCs, with a significant downregulation of the pathways related to the extracellular matrix (ECM), cell adhesion, and structural signaling. Specifically, the expression of numerous key ECM components was broadly attenuated in OPG-KO MPCs. Such molecular disruption functionally translated into severely impaired osteogenic potential, characterized by a marked transcriptional attenuation of osteogenic markers and reduced matrix mineralization at the cell level. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that OPG is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the MPC niche by regulating the expression of ECM-related genes, thereby promoting osteoblast differentiation.

본 연구는 무인기로 촬영한 다중분광 영상으로부터 취득한 반사값을 통해 산출된 식생지수로 콩(Glycine max (L.) Merr.)의 경태를 추정하는 머신러닝 회귀모델 개발을 목표로 한다. 연구 대상은 경상남도 밀양시 국립식량과학원 남부작물부 실험포장에서 2022년 6월 20일과 2023년 6월 24일에 파종한 선풍 품종의 콩이며, 관행구와 처리구로 나누어 재배하였다. 생육조사는 2022년 8월 20일과 9월 20일, 2023년 8월 21일과 9월 25일에 수행하였고, 영상은 2022년 8월 22일과 9월 21일, 2023년 8월 22일과 9월 20일에 촬영하였다. 촬영된 영상으로부터 5가지 반사값을 추출하여 9가지 식생지수를 산출하였다. 모델 구축에는 Ridge Regression (RR)과 LASSO Regression (LR), Random Forest Regression (RFR)과 K-Nearest Neighbor Regression (KNR)을 사용하였고, 단계적 변수 선택법을 사용하였다. 훈련과 검증의 비율은 8:2, 7:3, 6:4로 설정하였고, 모델은 R2, RMSE, MAPE로 평가하였다. 단년차 월별 모델의 경우, 8월과 9월 모두 2023년의 모델이 좋은 모델로 선정되었다. 다년차 월별 모델의 경우, 환경적 조건에 편중되어 군집화 현상이 나타나는 경우(8월)와 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 있음에도 불구하고 군집화 현상이 나타나지 않는 경우(9월)가 확인되었다. 따라서 월별 모델에 비해 성능은 낮지만 군집화가 발생하지 않고, 더 많은 샘플 수를 가진 전체 통합 모델을 최적 모델로 선택하였고, Calibration에서 R2=0.916, RMSE=0.683mm, MAPE=5.644%, Validation에서 R2=0.708, RMSE=1.002mm, MAPE=8.957% 의 성능을 나타내었다.

Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) are critical for maintaining skin integrity and facilitating tissue repair, but are highly susceptible to apoptosis and impaired migration under inflammatory stress. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) exert regenerative effects primarily through paracrine signals, including exosomes enriched with trophic factors. In this study, we investigated the dual role of ADSC-derived exosomal hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in regulating fibroblast apoptosis and migration under T cell-mediated inflammatory conditions. Co-culture of HDFs with activated Jurkat cells significantly increased apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine production, while treatment with ADSC-derived exosomes reduced apoptosis and enhanced fibroblast migration in a dose-dependent manner. Exosomal markers (CD9, CD63, TSG-101) were confirmed by Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed time-dependent increases in HGF, insulin-like growth factor-1, fibroblast growth factor-2, and transforming growth factor-beta secretion following exosome treatment. Knockdown of HGF using siRNA abolished both the anti-apoptotic and pro-migratory effects of exosomes. Mechanistically, exosomal HGF selectively activated AKT phosphorylation in apoptotic regulation and induced FAK (Tyr397) phosphorylation and MMP-2 expression in migration. These findings suggest that exosomal HGF from ADSCs serves as a central mediator in promoting fibroblast survival and motility via the AKT-FAK axis, and may be a promising candidate for cell-free regenerative therapies targeting immune-mediated skin damage.

본 연구는 MRI 검사 시 자기장의 세기 변화와 수신대역폭을 변화시켜 인공 고관절에 의해 나타나는 금속 인공물의 발생 정도를 정량적으로 분석하고 평가하였다. 이를 위해 티타늄 합금 재질의 인공 고관절로 제작한 팬텀을 대상으로 1.5T, 3.0T MR 장비를 사용하여 자기장 세기 변화를 주었으며, 10, 40, 80, 120, 150 Hz/PX로 수신대역폭 변화 를 주어 영상을 획득하였다. 2D FSE 펄스시퀀스로 T2WI 영상을 획득하였고 Image J를 사용하여 금속 인공물의 면적을 신호 소실과 신호 중첩의 합으로 측정하였다. 자기장 세기 차이의 따른 결과 1.5T MRI의 경우 평균 4772.45 ㎟, 3.0T MRI의 경우 평균 5267.41 ㎟로 나타났으며 수신대역폭 10, 40, 80 Hz/PX은 금속 인공물 발생 면적이 큰 폭으로 감소하였지만 120, 150 Hz/PX 에서는 금속 인공물의 감소폭은 상대적으로 적었으며 이는 통계적 으로 유의한 차이를 보였다(p<0.05). 따라서, 저자기장(1.5T)을 사용하였을 때 금속 인공물 감소에 효과적이며 수신 대역폭을 늘려 검사했을 때는 금속 인공물을 줄일 수 있지만 SNR의 감소를 초래하므로 합리적인 수신대역폭 선택이 필요하다.

Stem rot symptoms were recently identified in greenhouse-cultivated paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) in Hwaseong, Korea, with the causal pathogen determined to be Rhizopus stolonifer. Diseased stem samples displaying water-soaked lesions and abundant black mold growth were collected for pathogen isolation. The fungus demonstrated rapid mycelial growth and typical sporangium formation on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), and its morphological characteristics were consistent with those of R. stolonifer. Temperature assays indicated optimal mycelial growth at 20–30℃. Artificial inoculation using a spore suspension (2 × 10⁶ spores/㎖) on pruning wounds replicated the characteristic soft rot symptoms and stem collapse within 10 days. The fungus was re-isolated from the affected tissues and confirmed again as R. stolonifer, thereby definitively establishing its pathogenicity and fulfilling Koch’s postulates. Molecular identification through 28S rDNA sequencing (668 bp) and phylogenetic analysis further supported the isolates as R. stolonifer. To our knowledge, this is the first report in Korea indicating that Rhizopus stolonifer, though commonly recognized as a postharvest pathogen, can also cause stem rot in greenhouse paprika via pruning wounds during cultivation. These findings emphasize the potential risk of disease spread under climate change and highlight the necessity for integrated management strategies throughout both cultivation and postharvest phases.

A new oak mushroom cultivar Lentinula edodes ‘Eomjisong’ (LE23734), was developed by crossing the dikaryotic and monokaryotic strains of ‘KME36298’ and ‘KME36288-1’, respectively. The optimal temperature for mycelial growth of ‘Eomjisong’ on potato dextrose agar was 23–27°C, and was 15–20°C for fruiting body development. The cultivation period of ‘Eomjisong’ was 131 days, which was 3 days shorter than that of the control cultivar ‘Hanacham’. Morphologically, ‘Eomjisong’ showed stipe length and thickness similar to those of ‘Hanacham’, however, the pileus was larger and thicker. Furthermore, the pileus of ‘Eomjisong’ exhibited higher brightness than that of ‘Hanacham’. Productivity tests showed that the total yield of ‘Eomjisong’ reached 555 g, which was approximately 25.6% higher than that of ‘Hanacham’ (442 g). These findings indicate that ‘Eomjisong’ is a promising cultivar with enhanced productivity and morphological advantages over ‘Hanacham’, suggesting its potential for commercial cultivation.

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by GLA mutations, leading to a deficiency in α-Galactosidase A activity and subsequent accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3). This accumulation contributes to progressive multiorgan dysfunction, with cardiovascular complications, particularly endothelial dysfunction and left ventricular hypertrophy being major drivers of disease morbidity and mortality. Although enzyme replacement therapy is currently the standard treatment, its effectiveness is limited in addressing advanced cardiovascular pathology. To better understand Fabry-associated vascular and cardiac phenotypes, an isogenic human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) model in which GLA was knocked out was developed using CRISPR/ Cas9. GLA-knockout (GLA-KO) hiPSCs were differentiated into endothelial cells (ECs) and cardiomyocytes (CMs) to evaluate disease-relevant phenotypes in vitro . GLA-KO ECs exhibited normal morphology and differentiation capacity but showed markedly impaired tube formation, high expression of inflammatory genes ICAM1, VCAM1, and SELE, and increased mitochondrial and cytoplasmic reactive oxygen species levels. GLA-KO CMs demonstrated enlarged cell size and nuclear translocation of NFATC4, consistent with hypertrophic remodeling. Together, these findings recapitulate key features of Fabry vasculopathy and cardiomyopathy in a genetically defined, human-derived system. This platform enables direct investigation of Gb3-induced oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms and provides a valuable model for the preclinical evaluation of therapeutic strategies targeting the cardiovascular manifestations of Fabry disease.

Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) play a critical role in maintaining skin integrity and promoting tissue repair, but are highly susceptible to apoptosis under stress conditions such as nutrient deprivation. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic option due to their regenerative potential and ability to secrete bioactive factors. In this study, we investigated the effect of ADSC-derived paracrine signaling on apoptosis in HDFs and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. Using a Transwell co-culture system, we found that ADSCs significantly reduced apoptosis in HDFs subjected to low-serum stress, as confirmed by APOPercentage™ staining and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Among several soluble factors secreted by ADSCs, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) exhibited the most pronounced time-dependent increase in culture supernatants. The anti- apoptotic effect of ADSCs was abolished by neutralizing antibodies against HGF, indicating a key role of this factor in mediating fibroblast survival. Further, HDFs were found to express the HGF receptor c-Met at both the mRNA and protein levels. Inhibition of c-Met signaling reversed the cytoprotective effect of ADSCs, suggesting that HGF functions through this receptor. Mechanistically, only the PI3K/AKT pathway—among the major survival pathways tested—was selectively activated in HDFs by ADSC co-culture. Pharmacological inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling using LY294002 abolished the protective effect, while inhibition of ERK or p38 MAPK had no significant impact. These findings demonstrate that ADSC-derived HGF protects HDFs from stress-induced apoptosis primarily through activation of the c-Met–PI3K/ AKT pathway. This mechanistic insight may provide a basis for the development of stem cell– based therapies aimed at enhancing skin regeneration and fibroblast viability in degenerative or wound-healing contexts.

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) is widely used to assess the nutrient composition of forages. In forage, the leaf to stem ratio of alfalfa greatly affects its forage quality, with a high ratio of leaf indicated as high quality. This study aimed to evaluate the predictability of the alfalfa leaf-to-stem ratio and feed value using NIRS. Alfalfa hay was manually separated into leaves and stems by hand and the analysis samples were then made in the controlled range between 0 and 100%. Calibration models (n=320) were developed using modified partial least squares regression (MPLS) based on cross-validation. The optimal calibrations were selected based on the highest coefficients of determination in cross-validation (R2) and the lowest standard error of cross-validation (SECV). The prediction accuracy for the leaf-to-stem ratio (SECV, 5.95 vs. 5.71%; R2, 0.91 vs. 0.91) in alfalfa hay was comparable. For leaves, the standard error of calibration (SEC) was 4.94% (R2=0.94), and for stems, it was 4.81% (R2=0.94). The leaves and stems of the SEC were 4.94% (R2=0.94) and 4.81% (R2=0.94), respectively. The prediction accuracy for feed value, based on the leaf-to-stem ratio, predicted SECV values of 0.92% (R2=0.88) for crude protein (CP) content, 1.92% (R2=0.91) for neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content, 1.36% (R2=0.91) for total digestibility nutrient (TDN) content, and 9.86 (R2=0.81) for relative feed value (RFV). The results of this study demonstrate the potential of the NIRS method as a reliable tool for predicting the leaf-to-stem ratio of alfalfa hay, and show available techniques for routine feed value evaluation.

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are undifferentiated cells with the potential to develop into all cell types in the body. They have the potential to replenish cells in tissues and organs, and have unique properties that make them a powerful tool for regenerative therapy. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst of pre-implantation embryo and epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) derived from the epiblast layer of post-implantation embryo are the well-known PSCs. These stem cells can differentiate into any of three germ layers of germ cells (endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm). Additionally, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) refer to adult somatic cells reprogrammed to return to the pluripotent state by introducing specific factors. This is a breakthrough in stem cell research because ethical concerns such as fertilized embryo destruction can be avoided. PSCs have tremendous potential in treating degenerative cells by generating the cells needed to replace damaged cells, which can also allow to generate specific cell types to study the mechanisms of the disease and create disease models that screen for potential drugs. However, if the proliferative capacity of PSCs is not controlled, there is a risk that tumors will form, as this can lead to uncontrolled growth in their proliferative capacity. In addition, when PSCs are used for therapeutic purposes, there is a risk that the body’s immune system rejects the transplanted cells when the transplanted cells do not originate from the patient’s own tissue. Taken together, PSC is the foundation of stem cell research and regenerative medicine, providing disease treatment and animal development understanding. We would like to explain the classification of PSCs based on their developmental potential, the types of PSCs (ESCs, EpiSCs and iPSCs), their pluripotent status (naïve vs. primed) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) in PSCs and PSCs in domestic animals.

Background: Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are capable of differencing into various cell types in the body, providing them valuable for therapy of degenerative diseases. Patientspecific treatments using PSCs, such as mesenchymal stem cells in patient’s own body, may reduce the risk of immune rejection. Inducing the differentiation of PSCs into vascular endothelial cells (ECs) altering culture conditions or using specific growth factors is able to applied to the treatment of vascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to induce the differentiation of porcine epiblast stem cells (pEpiSCs), bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (pBM-MSCs) and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (pAMSCs) into ECs and then examine the functionality of vascular ECs. Methods: Porcine pEpiSCs, pBM-MSCs and pA-MSCs were induced to differentiate into ECs on matrigel-coated plates in differentiation medium (EBM-2 + 50 ng/mL of VEGF) for 8 days. Cells differentiated from these stem cells were isolated using CD-31 positive (+) magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) and then proliferated in M199 medium. Evaluation of ECs differentiated from these stem cells was treated with capillary-like structure formation and three-dimensional spheroid sprouting assay. Results: Porcine pEpiSCs, pBM-MSCs and pA-MSCs showed similar expression of pluripotency-related genes (OCT-3/4. NANOG, SOX2). These stem cells were differentiated into vascular ECs, but showed different morphologies after the differentiation. Cells differentiated from pEpiSCs showed an elongated spindle-like morphology, whereas cells differentiated from pBM-MSCs showed a round pebble-like morphology. In the case of pA-MSCs, these two morphologies were mixed with each other. Additionally, vascular ECs differentiated from these stem cells showed different formation of capillary-like structure formation and three-dimensional spheroid sprouting assay. Conclusions: Cells differentiated from pEpiSCs, pBM-MSCs and pA-MSCs presented the functionality of different vascular ECs, demonstrating the potential of the excellent ECs differentiated from pEpiSCs.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic resource for the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) that is attributable to their capacity for neuronal differentiation. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs), which exhibit MSC-like traits, can differentiate into neuron-like cells and secrete critical neurotrophic factors; however, their therapeutic potential in peripheral nerve injury remains unexplored. This study investigated the regenerative effects of hDPSC transplantation following sciatic nerve injury (SNI) in rats. Transplantation of hDPSCs, STRO-1+ hDPSCs, or CD146+ hDPSCs after sciatic nerve transection in rats upregulated the levels of β3 tubulin, a marker of immature newborn neurons. Furthermore, the levels of glial cellderived neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factor 2, and the neuroregenerative factor NeuroD1 were upregulated. Motor dysfunction in rats with SNI was restored, as demonstrated by significantly higher sciatic functional index scores compared with the sciatic nerve transection group without transplantation. Transplantation of hDPSCs into injured peripheral nerves results in the upregulation of neurotrophic factors, differentiation into immature neurons, and promotion of motor function recovery. This approach holds promise as a valuable therapeutic strategy for repairing injured peripheral sciatic nerves, potentially providing a solution for nerve damage in both the PNS and CNS.

본 연구는 관상적 가치가 뛰어난 한반도 자생식물 너도개미 자리[Minuartia laricina (L.) Mattf.]의 산업화를 위한 대량 번 식 기술을 개발하기 위해 수행되었다. 종자 번식 실험에서는 2023년 8월 16일 형태적으로 완전히 성숙한 종자를 채종하여 사용하였으며, 종자의 내부 형태를 관찰한 결과 배가 완전히 발달하여 미숙배로 인한 형태적 휴면(MD)은 없음을 확인하였 다. 또한, 종자를 증류수에 침지시켜 수분 흡수율을 조사한 결과 수분흡수 24시간 후 약 66%의 수분 흡수율을 보여 불투수성 종피에 의한 물리적 휴면(PY)도 없음을 확인하였다. 실온 (22±2℃)에서 후숙처리(Dry after-ripening)를 0, 4, 21주 실 시 후 각각 4, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30℃로 설정된 기내 발아 실험을 진행하였다. 실험의 결과, 후숙 4주 처리 후 20℃에 치상한 종자 의 발아율이 약 76%로 가장 높았다. 후숙 처리를 하지 않은 종자는 12주 내 어떠한 온도 조건에서도 발아하지 않아 생리 적 휴면(PD)으로 판단되었다. 삽목 번식 실험에서는 줄기삽목 (Stem-cutting) 방식으로 진행하였고, 루톤 분제 처리가 발근 에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 루톤 분제를 처리하지 않은 처리 구는 발근율과 생존율이 100%로 나타났으며, 루톤 분제가 처리 된 삽수는 이들보다 발근율과 생존율이 통계적으로 유의하게 낮았다. 따라서 너도개미자리 종자는 생리적 휴면 종자로 분류 되며, 4주간의 후숙 처리가 휴면 타파에 효과적인 것으로 확인 되었다. 또한, 너도개미자리 삽목 번식 시 별도의 발근 촉진제 처리가 필요하지 않음을 확인하였다.

Background: The clinical application of canine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) necessitates efficient and safe culture methods to produce large quantities of cells. Traditionally, fetal bovine serum (FBS) has been used for MSC expansion, but it carries risks such as contamination and adverse immune responses. Methods: In this study, we investigate the efficacy and efficiency of canine allogeneic serum as an effective alternative to FBS for the in vitro culture of canine MSCs. We measured the population doubling time of canine MSCs in allogeneic serum conditions and utilized qRT-PCR, flowcytometric analysis, and cellular staining/color-metric assay for investigating its effects on cellular senescence during long-term culture and the expression of key pluripotency-related transcriptomes. Results: Our findings demonstrate that canine MSCs cultured with allogeneic serum exhibited enhanced proliferation rates, reduced cellular senescence, and lower apoptosis levels compared to those cultured with FBS. Additionally, the expression of key pluripotency-related transcription factors, including Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog, was increased in canine MSCs cultured with allogeneic serum. Conclusions: These results highlight the potential of canine allogeneic serum to provide a safer and more effective culture environment, supporting the large-scale expansion and maintenance of canine MSCs for clinical applications.