남성 난임은 남성 생식 생리와 전반적인 생식 건강을 방해하는 내분비계 교란 물질에 대한 노출 증가로 인해 증가하고 있다. Butylparaben(BP)은 p-hydroxybenzoic acid의 alkyl ester로, 강한 항균 활성을 나타내며 식품, 화장품 및 개인 위생용품에서 방부제로 널리 사용되고 있다. 이전 연구들에서 BP가 인체 건강에 부정적인 영향 을 미칠 수 있다는 가능성이 제기되었으나, 남성 생식 독 성에서의 역할에 대한 근거는 아직 부족한 실정이다. 따 라서 본 연구에서는 BP의 남성 생식 독성을 평가하기 위 해 돼지 정액을 0, 100, 200, 300μM BP로 처리한 후 정 자 운동성, 생존율 및 미토콘드리아 기능을 분석하였다. 정자 운동성은 컴퓨터 지원 정자 분석 시스템을 사용하 여 분석되었으며, BP 노출은 운동성(89.13±2.98 vs. 39.47±7.05)과 여러 운동 역학적 매개변수를 변화시켰다. SYBR-14/PI 이중 염색으로 평가한 정자 생존율은 BP 처 리에 의해 감소하였다(79.09±2.71 vs. 68.09±2.78). 또한 BP 노출은 미토콘드리아 막 전위와 MitoTracker 염색을 감소시켰으며(각각 74.24±2.47 vs. 61.11±3.21, 1.00±0.04 vs. 0.73±0.04), 반면 MitoSOX 수준은 증가하였다 (1.00±0.00 vs. 1.13±0.02). 이는 미토콘드리아 산화 스트 레스 증가와 기능 이상을 시사한다. 종합적으로, 이러한 결과는 BP가 정자 운동성 저하, 생존율 감소, 그리고 미 토콘드리아 기능 장애를 통해 남성 생식 독성을 유도함 을 시사한다.

Melanoplus differentialis (Thomas, 1865) is a major pest of agricultural crops. In this study, we sequenced and characterized the complete mitochondrial genome of M. differentialis, which is 15,627 bp in length. The genome contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and an A+T-rich control region, with an overall nucleotide composition of 42.3% A, 32.5% T, 10.5% G, and 14.7% C. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using 13 PCGs and 2 rRNAs from available mitochondrial genomes of the family Acrididae. The results placed M. differentialis within the subfamily Melanoplinae, consistent with its current taxonomic classification. This newly sequenced mitochondrial genome provides a valuable resource for future studies on the evolution, phylogeny, and management of M. differentialis, enhancing our understanding of the genetic basis of this economically important pest.

오리엔탈과실파리(Bactrocera dorsalis)는 400종 이상의 작물과 과일을 가해하는 주요 농업 해충이다. 동남아시아가 원산지로 알려져 있으나, 최근 일본과 중국에서의 확산이 보고되면서 인근 지역으로의 잠재적 확산 가능성이 우려되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 오리엔탈과실파리의 유전적 다 양성과 분산 양상을 구명하기 위해 미토콘드리아 cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) 유전자를 분자 마커로 활용하였다. 시료는 태국, 대만, 베트남, 캄보디아, 필리핀 등 동남아시아 여러 국가에서 채집하였으며, 아시아 지역의 지역별 유전적 특성을 비교하기 위해 유전자 데이터베이스에 서 확보한 COI 염기서열을 분석에 활용하였다. 그 결과, 동남아시아 13개국에서 총 753개의 일배체형(haplotype)이 확인되었으며, 대부분의 동남 아시아 개체군에서 높은 일배체형 다양성(Hd>0.8)이 나타났다. 필리핀과 파푸아뉴기니 등 일부 섬 지역 개체군에서는 뚜렷한 유전적 분리가 관찰 된 반면, 필리핀과 파푸아뉴기니를 제외한 대부분의 대륙 개체군은 주요 일배체형을 공유하였다. 본 연구 결과는 미토콘드리아 COI 유전자 기반 동남아시아 오리엔탈과실파리의 유전적 구조를 구명하였으며, 지리적 격리에 따른 섬 개체군의 비교적 안정된 유전형과 지리적 인접성과 이동성에 따른 대륙 개체군 간의 유전적 유사성을 시사한다.

Mitochondrial genomes have been documented for select subspecies of Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (the greater horseshoe bat); however, a lack of comprehensive population-level sequences continues to limit our understanding of its complex phylogeographic history. This study reports the complete mitochondrial genome of the R. ferrumequinum sampled from South Korea and sequenced at Hoseo University. The circular mitogenome is 16,795 bp in length and comprises the typical 37 mitochondrial genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes) and one non-coding control region, showing an overall base composition of GC content 42.74%. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial protein‑coding genes places this genome in R. ferrumequinum providing a new genomic resource for population genetics of horseshoe bats in East Asia.

Background: In mammals, DRP1 is a key regulator of mitochondrial fission during mitochondrial dynamics, whereas ATF5 promotes the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt). Both pathways are essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and protecting oocytes and embryos from external stressors. However, the relationship between ATF5 expression and DRP1 under heat stress conditions during porcine oocyte maturation remains unclear. Methods: In this study, we investigated the mitochondrial dynamics and ATF5 expression in porcine oocytes exposed to heat stress during in vitro maturation (IVM). Protein and gene expression levels were assessed using immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting, and quantitative PCR. Results: During IVM, both DRP1 and ATF5 expression were increased (p < 0.01) significantly. In contrast, heat stress markedly impaired (p < 0.05) meiotic progression and cumulus cell expansion. Mitochondrial dynamics were disrupted (p < 0.05), as fission and fusion markers displayed reciprocal changes relative to those in controls. Concomitantly, the expression of ATF proteins was significantly reduced (p < 0.01) under heat stress. Heat-stressed oocytes also exhibited decreased (p < 0.05) expression of genes involved in antioxidant defense and NAD metabolism, whereas autophagy- and apoptosis-related transcripts were significantly upregulated (p < 0.05). At the blastocyst stage, embryos derived from heat-stressed oocytes exhibited nuclear localization of the UPR-associated transcription factors ATF4, CHOP, and ATF5. Conclusions: Collectively, our findings suggest that heat stress disrupts mitochondrial dynamics and ATF5 expression during porcine oocyte maturation while the UPRmt pathway remains active during early embryonic development to mitigate heat-induced cellular damage.

The vitrification of embryos is essential for animal reproduction and significantly contributes to assisted reproductive technologies, enabling fast cryopreservation without ice crystal formation. Mitochondria, vital organelles in cellular metabolism, are responsible for critical functions like ATP synthesis, calcium regulation, and apoptotic signaling. Preserving mitochondrial integrity is essential for ensuring embryonic strength. Studies demonstrate that vitrification, a widely used cryopreservation method, can markedly impair mitochondrial function in mammalian embryos. This study examines the efficacy of novel/modified antifreeze peptide as a biocompatible agent when used in an appropriate concentration with base vitrification media. Blastocysts vitrified in base media as well as supplemented with the peptide exhibited significantly enhanced post-thaw survival rates, attaining re-expansion and hatching rates of 96.89 ± 4.2% and 88.31 ± 1.3%, respectively, in contrast to 79.38 ± 3.7% and 52.57.9 ± 0.8% observed in the control group. Furthermore, peptide-treated BLs demonstrated elevated expression of PGC1α, BCL2, and Sirt-1, which are the key genes related to mitochondrial membrane potential and anti-apoptotic factors. The mitochondrial function was maintained, and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the expression of genes such as Cyto-c, caspases 3, and caspase 9 were markedly diminished in the embryos vitrified with peptide. These findings highlight the ability of this modified peptide to preserve mitochondrial integrity and reduce oxidative stress, hence enhancing the survival of blastocysts post-vitrification.

The Crassulaceae family displays extensive morphological diversity and complex evolutionary trajectories across its constituent genera. These attributes significantly challenge the reconstruction of intrafamilial phylogenetic relationships. While chloroplast and nuclear DNA markers are widely used for phylogenetic analyses, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) remains underutilized, despite its demonstrable potential as a taxonomic marker. Sequence variation in the mitochondrial nad7 intron was analyzed across six species representing two genera (Phedimus and Sedum) native to Korea. The objective was to assess genetic diversity and determine whether the nad7 intron could effectively augment existing chloroplast and nuclear DNA markers as a taxonomic tool. Target amplicon length spanned 974 to 998 base pairs (bp). Multiple sequence alignment of the six Crassulaceae species from Phedimus and Sedum identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions/deletions (INDELs), and dinucleotide polymorphisms, interspersed with conserved nad7 intron regions. Interestingly, an INDEL at positions 189–192 exhibited a diagnostic genus-level pattern, facilitating the unambiguous separation of Phedimus and Sedum. This outcome is consistent with established morphological and chloroplast DNA–based classifications. Collectively, these findings validate the mitochondrial nad7 intron as a promising supplementary molecular marker for taxonomic classification and genetic resource conservation within Crassulaceae.

Aging is strongly linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, which disrupts energy metabolism and tissue homeostasis. The salivary gland is an energy-dependent organ, and mitochondrial decline contributes to age-related atrophy and impaired secretion. In this study, we investigated whether spermidine can restore mitochondrial function in aging salivary glands. In aging accelerated klotho deficient mouse, spermidine supplementation improved glandular histology, restoring acinar organization and reducing atrophy. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that spermidine induced extensive transcriptional reprogramming, characterized by the upregulation of mitochondrial metabolic pathways and suppression of inflammatory signaling. qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses confirmed increased expression of PPARγ mediated mitochondrial membrane potential such as PGC-1α, NRF1/2, and OXPHOS complex subunits. Furthermore, spermidine elevated mitochondria oxygen consumption rate, including basal respiration, ATP production, maximal respiration, and spare respiratory capacity. These results demonstrated that spermidine improves mitochondria respiratory capacity through activation of the PPAR–PGC-1α–NRF regulatory axis and may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for restoring mitochondrial homeostasis and preserving salivary gland function during aging.