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Abstract: Cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) play important roles in the plant cell cycle, a highly coordinated process in plant growth and development. To understand the regulatory network involving the CDKs, we have examined the role of ACK1, a gene that has significant homology to known ICKs (inhibitors of CDKs), but occupies a distinct branch of the ICK phylogenetic tree. Overexpression of ACK1 in transgenic Arabidopsis significantly inhibited growth, leading to effects such as serration of leaves, as a result of strong inhibition of cell division in the leaf meristem. ACK1 transgenic plants also differed morphologically from control Arabidopsis plants, and the cells of ACK1 transgenics were more irregular than the corresponding cells of control plants. These results suggest that ACK1 acts as a CDK inhibitor in Arabidopsis, and that the alterations in leaf shape may be the result of restricted cell division. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Phytic acid inhibits mineral absorption in the intestines of monogastric animals, inhibition which can contribute to public health problems in human populations. This research compared the nutritional properties of parent rice cultivar Il-pum with those of an Il-pum-derived, mutant low-phytate rice cultivar, Sang-gol. No significant differences were shown in moisture, fat, carbohydrate and mineral content between Il-pum and Sang-gol. In the composition of protein and fatty acid, there were also no differences between the two cultivars. In the nutritional aspects, though Sang-gol had a 50% lower phytate content than Il-pum, the total phosphorus contents in the two cultivars were shown to be similar. These results indicated that Sang-gol had similar nutritional properties to those of the parent cultivar Il-pum, with the added benefit of lower phytate content. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The antioxidant activity and liver protective effect of Morus bombycis Koidzumi were investigated. Aqueous extracts of M. bombycis Koidzumi had higher superoxide radical scavenging activity than other types of extracts. The aqueous extract at a dose of 100mg/kg showed significant hepatoprotective activity when compared with that of a standard agent. The biochemical results were confirmed by histological observations indicating that M. bombycis Koidzumi extract together with CCl4 treatment decreased ballooning degeneration. The water extract recovered the CCl4-induced liver injury and showed antioxidant effects in assays of FeCl2–ascorbic acid-induced lipid peroxidation in rats. Based on these results, we suggest that the hepatoprotective effect of the M. bombycis Koidzumi extract is related to its antioxidative activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]