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Effective exogenous delivery of interleukin (IL)-15 to natural killer (NK) cells with subsequent anticancer efficacy could be a promising immune cell-based cancer immunotherapy.

We report a simple and continuous spray-drying method to synthesize high-purity epsilon iron oxide (ε-Fe2O3). The strategy enables ferromagnetic resonance tuning, making it potentially usable in millimeter-wave absorbers.

It’s been more than 2 years since the first outbreak of COVID-19, and still the pandemic is devastating the world and is standing as significant threat to the worldwide medical settings. The reports of new variants, absence of globally approved therapeutics are the major reasons responsible for the continuously increasing number of cases and mortalities. The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is a well reported and a key therapeutic target for designing drugs to treat COVID-19. The medicinal properties of mushrooms and its derived natural compounds are well established. Here in this study, we have performed the virtual screening of mushroom-derived compounds against the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Cordycepin was found to be the most active compound against Mpro. The compound was further isolated from C. militaris and in vitro assay was performed to confirm its antivirals potential against SARS-CoV-2. Our findings show cordycepin to be a promising candidate against COVID-19.

A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped, floc-forming, and non-spore-forming bacterium, designated as NLF-7-7T, was isolated from the biofilm of a sample collected from a livestock wastewater treatment plant in Nonsan, Republic of Korea. Strain NLF-7-7T, forms a visible floc and grows in the flocculated state. Cells of strain NLF-7-7T grew optimally at pH 6.5 and 30 °C and in the presence of 0.5% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain NLF-7-7T belonged to the family Comamonadaceae, and was most closely related to Comamonas badia DSM 17552T (95.8% similarity) and Comamonas nitrativorans 23310T (94.0% similarity). The phylogenetic and phenotypic data indicate strain NLF-7-7T is clearly distinguished from the Comamonas lineage. The major cellular fatty acids were C10:0 3OH, C16:0, and summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c/C16:1 ω7c). The respiratory quinone was Q-8. The polar lipids were composed of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and an unidentified aminolipid. The DNA G+C content of strain NLF-7-7 was 68.0 mol%. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic properties, strain NLF-7-7T represents a novel species of the genus Comamonas, for which the name Comamonas flocculans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is C. flocculans NLF-7-7T (=KCTC 62943T). The GenBank/EMBL/DDBJ accession number for the 16S rRNA gene sequence of Comamonas flocculans NLF-7-7T is MN527436. The whole-genome shotgun BioProject Number is PRJNA555370 with the Accession Number CP042344.

Tricholoma matsutake is an ectomycorrhizal fungus, related with the host of Pinus densiflora. Most of studies on T. matsutake have focused on mycelial growth, genes and genomics, phylogenetics, symbiosis, and immune activity of this strain. T. matsutake is known for its unique fragrance in Eastern Asia. The most major component of its scent is (R)-(-)-1-octen-3-ol and is biosynthesized from the substrate linoleic acid by the sequential reaction of lipoxygenase and peroxide lyase. Here, we report for the first time the biosynthesis of (R)-(-)- 1-octen-3-ol of T. matsutake using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a host. In this study, cDNA genes correlated with these reactions were cloned from T. matsutake, and expression studies of theses genes were carried out in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The product of these genes expression study was carried out with Western blotting. The biosynthesis of (R)-(-)- 1-octen-3-ol of T. matsutake in recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae was subsequently identified with GC-MS chromatography analysis. The biosynthesis of (R)-(-)-1-octen-3-ol with S. cerevisiae represents a significant step forward.

Osteoarthritis (OA), a common chronic affliction amongst the elderly and athletes, is increasing every year. Due to the limited regenerative capacities of the cartilage, surgical or physical treatments have been developed for OA. The development of surgical treatment for OA has evolved from simple joint replacement to cell-based regeneration. Especially, compared with other types of stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells (bone-marrow derived stem cell (BMSC) and adipose-derived stem cell (ASC)) are well known for their high yield, excellent differentiation capacities and easy isolation, and hence are widely applied in tissue engineering. In addition, it has been known that a capability of chondrogenic differentiation of ASCs (i.e., mesenchymal stem cell population from a synovial origin) is higher than BMSCs. This review summarizes the recent clinical applications utilizing ASC and its clinical efficacy for OA treatment, estimated by applying available scoring systems. Current ASC therapy treatments in the clinical system include a direct injection of ASC supplemented with additional compounds such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) for enhancing differentiation of stem cells and the incorporation of ASC with biomaterial-based scaffolds such as fibrin and hyaluronic acid has been developed for more effective treatment than direct injection. Various scoring systems have demonstrated the clinical efficacy of ASC, and numerous results have validated the use of ASC as an OA therapy by relieving pain and improving the movement of cartilage. Furthermore, additional PRP or SVF combined with ASC have exhibited enhanced pain reduction and physiological movement of cartilage. Hence, clinical researches suggest that stem cell therapy utilizing ASC could be an effective OA treatment.

Exosomes of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) are known to effectively increase the proliferation rate of chondrocytes and stimulate cartilage extracellular matrix. However, the therapeutic efficacy of the other signaling direction (i.e., the effect of chondrocyte-derived exosomes on hMSC) has not been extensively investigated. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate exosome-mediated in vitro bidirectional signalings between progenitor hMSC and mature chondrocytes in cartilage tissues with various culture medial formulations. The exosomes isolated from bovine chondrocytes (BC) and hMSC (50 µg/ mL of exosomes per 3000 cells) were treated to hMSC and BC, respectively. Both cells were cultured in media formulations with 10% FBS, 10% exosome free-FBS, and 0.5% FBS. A variety of cellular responses by exosome treatments including proliferation, chondrogenic differentiation, cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition were evaluated using WST-1 assay, RT-PCR, and alcian blue staining for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content. The results demonstrated that bidirectional exosome treatments increased proliferation of both BC and hMSC, and similar bidirectional influences including chondrogenic differentiation, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) ECM deposition were also up-regulated in both cell populations. Moreover, exosome-mediated in vitro activation between two cell populations could be regulated by media formulations. Therefore, exosomes could play important signaling roles in communication between two major cell populations in cartilage tissues.

Eight heteroleptic nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of the type [M(L1–4)(nap)2] (1–8), where L1–4 = 2-(1-(4-substitutedphenyl)ethylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide, nap = naproxen, and M = Ni(II) o...

Fungal endophytes are symbiotic microorganisms that are often found in asymptomatic plants. This study describes the genetic diversity of the fungal endophytes isolated from the roots of plants sampled from the west coast of Korea. Five halophytic plant species, Limonium tetragonum, Suaeda australis, Suaeda maritima, Suaeda glauca Bunge, and Phragmites australis, were collected from a salt marsh in Gochang and used to isolate and identify culturable, root-associated endophytic fungi. The fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 was used as the DNA barcode for the classification of these specimens. In total, 156 isolates of the fungal strains were identified and categorized into 23 genera and two phyla (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota), with Dothideomycetes and Sordariomycetes as the predominant classes. The genus Alternaria accounted for the largest number of strains, followed by Cladosporium and Fusarium. The highest diversity index was obtained from the endophytic fungal group associated with the plant P. australis. Waito-C rice seedlings were treated with the fungal culture filtrates to analyze their plant growth-promoting capacity. A bioassay of the Sm-3-7-5 fungal strain isolated from S. maritima confirmed that it had the highest plant growth-promoting capacity. Molecular identification of the Sm-3-7-5 strain revealed that it belongs to Alternaria alternata and is a producer of gibberellins. These findings provided a fundamental basis for understanding the symbiotic interactions between plants and fungi.

Three new ferrocenylimine-based homoleptic metal(II) complexes with general formula [M(L)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2 (1‒3), where L = trans-4-(ferrocenylideneamino)-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3(2H)-one, and M = Ni2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods. The spectral and theoretical studies revealed the distorted octahedral (Oh) geometry for the synthesized complexes with the involvement of azomethine nitrogen, carbonyl oxygen and oxygen atom of water molecules in coordination to metal(II) ion. The UV-Vis and cyclic voltammetric techniques were employed to understand the reduction behaviour of copper(II) complex (2) in ascorbic acid. The in vitro biocompatibility studies show the risk-free nature of complexes to NHDF (normal human dermal fibroblast) cell line up to the concentration level of 100 µg/mL. In vitro anti-proliferative activity was investigated on two human cancerous MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma) and HepG2 (hepatoma), and one non-cancerous NHDF (normal human dermal fibroblast) cell lines by MTT reduction assay. The complexes showed higher anti-proliferative activity and biocompatibility without showing any toxicity towards normal cell lines. The docking studies indicated H-bonding, π-pair and hydrophobic interactions between complexes and protein molecules (VEGF, EGF and CEA receptors). In addition, the pharmacokinetics properties were analyzed using Lipinski's ʹrule of fiveʹ and the ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity) properties, which predicted the drug-likeness and bio-activity of the synthesized complexes.

Organic fertilizers were applied in four different forms: mixed organic matter, fermentation cake, bacterial culture, and rice husks, excluding conventional chemical fertilizer and non-treatment used as control. The results showed that soil pH was acidified after fermentation cake and chemical fertilizer treatment. Specifically, chemical fertilizer treatment showed higher phosphoric-acid content than other treatments, while total N content was higher in fermentation cake, mixed organic matter and chemical fertilizer. Growth of Codonopsis lanceolata showed superior tendency in the treatment of mixed organic matter and fermentation cake. Lancemacides, the major saponin of C. lanceolata, could be identified as foetidissimoside A, lancemaside A, lancemaside B, and lancemaside D. However, among them, quantitative analysis could not be conducted on foetidissimoside A due to its very low content, and lancemaside A was the most abundant saponin in the root from all the treatments. The content of lancemaisde A according to organic fertilizer application showed the highest value of 0.12 mg g−1 in the treatment of mixed organic matter, followed by the fermentation cake, bacterial culture, non-treatment, rice husks and chemical fertilizer, in that order. The content of lancemaside B and D was very low compared to lancemaside A, and there was no difference among treatments. Therefore, it was verified that the growth of C. lanceolata was superior in application of mixed organic matter and fermentation cake, and the major saponin, lancemaside A, was also increased.

A series of novel 5′(7′)-substituted-2′-oxospiro[1,3]dioxolane-2,3′-indoline-based N-hydroxypropenamides were designed, synthesized and evaluated for histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition and cytotoxicity. It was found that the compounds in this series displayed potent inhibitory effects against HDAC2 with IC50 values as low as 0.284 μM, almost comparable to that of SAHA (IC50, 0.265 μM), a positive control. In Western blot analysis, these compounds also exhibited noted inhibition toward histone deacetylation and this inhibition was found to correlate well with the cytotoxicity of the compounds in three human cancer cell lines. Docking studies indicated the compounds in this series bound to HDAC2 with high binding affinities (∼−9.8 kcal/mol) compared to SAHA (−7.4 kcal/mol).

A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped, floc-forming, and non-spore-forming bacterium, designated as NLF-7-7

Eight heteroleptic nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of the type [M(L

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of harvest time on the growth, yield characteristics and loganin content in Dipsacus asperoides Wall. Methods and Results: Dipsacus asperoides seedlings were planted within a nursery environment in early May 2015 and harvested in early, middle and late October 2015, and early November 2015. Harvest time did not result significant differences in the plant height, stem diameter, branch length, leaf width and aboveground dry weight moreover, no significant differences were observed in root length, number of roots and root diameter. However, the diameter of lateral roots was greater in the harvests from the late October and period thereafter. The highest values of root dry weight and yield were recorded in early November. Specifically, the yield significantly increased from 205 kg/10 a (index: 100) in early October to 358 kg/10 a (index: 175) in early November, in terms of root part weight. Loganin contents of D. asperoides differed significantly among harvest times raging from 0.0766% in early October to 0.1704% in late November, thereby showing an increasing trend in later harvest times. Conclusions: These results suggest that the optimum harvest time for D. asperoides is early November, when the yield is the highest. Harvest time significantly affected loganin contents, which constantly increased from early October until early November.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate methods to reduce seeding expenses, thereby increasing farm income. This study investigated the effects of rain shelter controlled cultivation and adapted seeding times on the stable seed production of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. Methods and Results: Seed germination was conducted under 10 condition compose to control, water washing, cold storage at for 15 days, seed sterilization with a benomyl pesticides, hormone treated seed by submerging in 100 ppm with the cold storage at and , darkness in a covered petridish and illuminated with a 1,500 Lux lamp. There were three cultivation type, open cultivation with non-woven fabric mulching, cultivation with a vinyl covering and rain sheltered in a plastic greenhouse. Sowing dates were April 27, May 18, June 7 and June 28, 2013. Plants were spaced 10 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart. Mixed oil cake fertilizer, (12-10-10) was applied at . Conclusions: Optimum germination occured in darkness at and cold storage after submerging in . The highest seed yields () occurred in the plastic greenhouse for the April 25 sowing. The highest root yield (17%) was found on April 1, under greenhouse conditions.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases, caused by cellular inflammatory responses and subsequent structural disruption in osteochondral extracellular matrix (ECM) in cartilage tissues. Various cell-therapies have been recently developed via the exogenous administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) due to their intrinsic regenerative capacity of self-renewal and chondrogenic differentiation. However, MSC-based cellular approaches have exhibited some technical limitations including dedifferentiation during MSC expansion, reduction of regenerative efficacy upon administration, and inconsistent quality control in large-scale cell production. To overcome these disadvantages, exosome mediated cartilage tissue regeneration has been investigated. Since exosome derived from MSC (MSC-exosome) transport and deliver multiple cellular components from their original MSC sources, they could be utilized as alternative therapeutic agents for OA treatment. Recent studies have shown that the administration of MSC-exosome effectively reduced a production of inflammatory cytokines in chondrocytes, increased the expression of cartilage ECM component, and eventually augment cartilage tissue regeneration in a series of in vivo studies. Therefore, this review emphasizes current engineering approaches via MSC-exosome for cartilage tissue repair, as a functional OA treatment technique.

Stem rot was observed on Ixeridium dentatum in Jinan-gun and Dangjin-gun, Korea during the growing seasons of 2016 and 2017. The first symptom was water-soaked lesions on the basal parts of stems. Lower leaves became wilted and blighted before the plants eventually died. White cottony mycelial mats and brown spherical or irregular sclerotia formed on the basal stem and adjacent soil surfaces. The optimal temperature for in vitro colony growth and sclerotia germination were 30 °C and 25 °C, respectively. The in vitro and morphological characteristics of the fungus were identical with those described for Sclerotium rolfsii. Phylogenetic analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region revealed that two isolates isolated from I. dentatum formed a monophyletic group with reference isolates of S. rolfsii. Koch’s postulates were satisfied for the same two S. rolfsii isolates, thereby confirming that the pathogen causes stem rot of I. detatum in Korea.

Background : The aim of the present study was to identify an effective physicochemical control method to reduce Fusarium species infestation in adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi L.) before and after harvesting. Methods and Results : We observed that prochloraz emusifiable concentrate and hexaconazol prochloraz emusifiable concentrate strongly inhibited the mycelial growth of 10 Fusarium species. Strong growth inhibitions and cell lysis were observed following treatment with 4% NaOCl solution. The total number of fungi detected were lower follwing treatment with thiophanatemethyl triflumizole wettable powder (), hexaconazol prochloraz emulsifiable concentrate (), carboxin thiram dustable powder () and prochloraz emulsifiable concentrate () than in the non-treated control (). The reduction of Fusarium fungi varies with the concentration and soaking time of NaOCl solution. Fungal detection was not observed after soaking in NaOCl solution for 24 h and harmful effects were not observed for plant growth by NaOCl after soacking for 6 - 12 h. Conclusion : Soaking seed for 6 - 12 h in 4% NaOCl could be an effective method of disinfectant treatment for the control of Fusarium fungi in adlay seeds.

Background : This study examined the effect of harvesting time on the growth, yield characteristics, and major beneficial components in Salvia miltiorrhiza. Methods and Results : Although plant height, stem diameter and branch length were not affected by harvesting time, the number of stems was highest when harvested in mid October. There were no differences in root length and thickness, however, the rhizome was thicker when it was harvested at the end of October or early November than when it was harvested in early and mid October. The dried root weight also showed a similar pattern. However, there was a statistically significant increase to 408 kg (16%) in the rhizome weight when in late October and a rise to 455 kg (29%) when harvested in early November. Harvest time had little effect on the content of the major component of S. miltiorrhiza. For example, salvianolic acid content rose from 9.42 to 9.64% with later harvest times, and tanshinone content was tended to be slightly more increased in mid October which S. miltiorrhiza has 0.22% tanshinon than in early October. Conclusions : According to these results, the optimum harvest time for S. miltiorrhiza is early November when plant or major component yields are hightest. There were no significant harvest time effects on the major beneficial components.

Background : A series of studies were conducted to optimize adventitious root induction in vitro from explants of Astragalus membranaceus using various nutrient media supplemented with plant hormones. Methods and Results : Levels of active components were analyzed from adventitious roots induced under different media conditions. Among the different media conditions, Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with indole-3-butyric acid resulted in the greatest adventitious root induction rate. The amount of the major active component of the adventitious roots of Ama1, calycosin-7-O--D-glucopyranoside was higher than that of other adventitious root samples. Conclusions : These results suggest that the adventitious roots of A. membranaceus could be used for the commercial production of medicines.

Background : Platycodon grandiflorum radix used as a therapeutic agent for lung and respiratory diseases in traditional Korean medicine. The saponin and sugar content in P. grandiflorum root is dependent on the drying temperature and method. In this study, we investigated saponins and antioxidant contents in dried P. grandiflorum roots either not cut or cut to different lengths. Methods and Results : P. grandiflorum roots were either cut to 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 cm in length or left uncut. They were dried at and the effect of antioxidant substances, antioxidant ability, and saponin content were investigated. P. grandiflorum roots rapidly dried out when cut to short lengths. The saponin contents (platycodin D, polygalacin D, and deapioplatycodin D) was highest in the uncut P. grandiflorum roots. When the cut lengths were long, the levels of polyphenolic compound increased. However, 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities were higher in the samples cut to shorter lengths. Conclusions : These results suggested that the saponin and antioxidant content of P. grandiflorum roots could be maximized by controlling the drying rate of the roots via adjustments to the root cutting length.

One objective of this study was to compare the antioxidant activity from various organs of Artemisia species and identify new organs of Artemisia species with antioxidant activity. The various organs of the Artemisia species were analyzed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays, which are widely used for evaluating antioxidant activity. A. annua, A. montana, A. stolonifera and A. gmelinii found to have strong antioxidant activity. These findings reinforce the potential of plants as valuable antioxidant sources. A second objective of this study was to compare the artemisinin content from various organs of Artemisia species and identify that a new organ of Artemisia species with high artemisinin content. Artemisinin is one of the most important phytochemicals found in the Artemisia species, and has been used for the treatment of malaria all over the world. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, we analyzed the artemisinin content from various organs of the Artemisia species. The roots of A. absinthium and A. rubripes howed high contents of artemisinin. This, roots of A. absinthium and A. rubripes are suggested as alternatives to A. annua as medicinal sources of artemisinin.

*Department of Herbal Crop Research, NIHHS, RDA, Eumsung 369-873, Korea.**Department of Plant Resources, College of Industrial Science, Kongju National University, Yesan 340-702, Korea.ABSTRACT : This study was conducted to obtain the basic data related to seed characteristics and germination conditionsof the Coriandrum sativum L. at different storage condition and temperature. The shape of fruit was oval with light browncolor. Fruit was mericarp, biloculate, with one ovule in each locus. The length and width of seed were 1.37±0.067 ㎜ and0.52 ±0.039 ㎜, respectively. Weight of 1,000 seeds was 6.55±0.15 g. Seeds which were stored at room (15℃) and cold tem-perature (4℃) in vinyl container showed the highest germination rate (93.3%) under the room temperature germinationcondition. Percentage of germination in cold and freeze temperature was 20% and 0%, respectively. Germination rate ofroom storage seeds with paper container increased to about 91.3%, however, decreased in cold (4℃) and freeze storage (−20℃)with paper container (76.7% and 78.0%, respectively). Germination rate of seed in vinyl stock container was better thanthat of paper stock container. Germination rate of seeds stored at room temperature for 4 years (2010 - 2013) ranged from80.0% to 91.3%. Therefore, coriander seeds are expected to be stored at room temperature for increasing the germinationrate and keeping a long term.Key Words : Coriandrum sativum L., Germination Temperature, Seed Characteristics, Storage Condition

Understanding the dynamic interaction between the catenary and pantograph of a high-speed train is the one of the most important technical issues in the railway industry. This is because the catenary–pantograph system plays a crucial role in providing electric power to the railway vehicle for stable operation. The aim of the present paper is to estimate the current-collection performance of this system by using numerical analysis, in particular, the flexible multibody dynamic analysis technique. To implement large deformable catenary wires, an absolute nodal coordinate formulation is used for the cable element. Additionally, an efficient contact element and an interactive model for the catenary–pantograph system are introduced. Each developed model is then used for analytical and experimental verification. Actual on-line test results of existing high-speed railway vehicles are presented and used to verify the analysis model. Finally, the performance characteristics of a new 400 km/h-class high-speed line ...

Since the commercial operation of Kori Unit #1 nuclear power plant(NPP) started in 1978, 23 units at present are operating in Korea. Radioactive wastes will be steadily generated from these units and accumulated. In addition, the life-extension of NPPs, construction of new NPPs and decontamination and decommissioning research facilities will cause radioactive wastes to increase. Recently, Korea has revised the new classification criteria as was proposed by IAEA. According to the revised classification criteria, low-level, very-low-level and exempt waste are estimated to about 98% of total disposal amount. In this paper, current status of overseas cases and disposal method with new classification criteria are analyzed to propose the most reasonable method for estimating the amount of decommissioning waste when applying the new criteria.

This study describes the dynamic behavior of the HEMU-430X, the Korean next-generation high-speed train. The HEMU-430X was initially analyzed using VAMPIRE, a computer program that is used to examine the dynamics of railway vehicles, based on which it was expected to sway strongly at its tail end. This hunting motion was expected to disappear when the position of the yaw damper was changed. The dynamic behavior of the HEMU-430X was assessed in an on-track test performed using the protocols in the EN14363 standard and measuring the carbody, bogie and axle accelerations; the HEMU-430X was found to satisfy the safety criterion. The hunting motion appeared at speeds of 150, 350 and 387 km/h, and countermeasures such as changing the position of the yaw damper, installing carbody dampers, and increasing the damping coefficient of the yaw damper installed on the motor car containing the driver’s cab were taken in order to reduce the vibrations. Ultimately, the highest test speed achieved was 421.4 km/h. Subsequently, it was found that the critical speed tended to decrease with mileage. This was attributed to excessive lateral damping and a revised design was proposed to solve this problem.

This study was conducted to improve the postharvest storage techniques of managing and storing seeds, to test qualities and viabilities of the seeds and to examine the germination rate and the protein expression of Achyranthes japonica Nakai. The seeds collected from different areas of Je-Cheon and Gwang-Ju were stored with different temperatures and durations. Two plant growth regulators and two seed priming were treated to investigate their effect on the germination rates and the days required for germination. The weight of one hundred seed collected in Gwang-Ju was heavier than those in Je-Cheon. Seed length collected in Gwang-Ju was also longer about 5.12 ㎜ than those in Je-Cheon about 4.90 ㎜ and seed width was longer in Gwang-Ju than those in Je-Cheon. The rates of seed germination in two different collection areas were higher about 2.9 to 13.0% in Gwang-Ju compared to those in Je-Cheon. Comparing its rates with the storing tempera- tures and durations, they were not clearly different in between 4℃ and 25℃ and they also were gradually decreased with getting longer storing durations. The germination rates treated by plant growth regulators were higher with GA3 than those with Kinetin. The highest seed germination rate was appeared at 50 ppm of GA3. Comparing its rates with different seed priming, they were relatively higher with KNO3 than those with PEG6000. In protein expression patterns between before the germinating and after the germinating of seeds, more and clear bands were appeared in the seed after the germination com- pared to those before the germination of seeds, especially 10 ~ 20 kDa. These results showing more and clear bands were more clearly appeared in Gwang-Ju compared to Je-Cheon. Comparing the protein expression with plant growth regulators and seed primings, GA3 was better expression than those with Kinetin and KNO3 was better than those with PEG6000. More and clear bands were closely related to the germination rates of seeds and more detailed studies would be required.

This study was conducted to investigate the quality of seeds, the germination rates and the days required for germination, to examine the patterns of protein expressions during the germination and to improve the techniques of man- aging and storing seeds and viability of the seeds of Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb. et Zucc. After collecting and harvest- ing seeds, they were classified to white and brown colors of seed coat through testing their seed size, weight, and quality. The germination rates, the days required for germination, and the protein expressions were examined with different colors of seed coats, storing temperatures and durations by treating the different plant growth regulators and primings. One hundred seed weight of white color was heavier about 1.17 g than those of brown one about 0.81 g. The germination rates in white color of seed coat was higher, 3.05 ~ 5.75%, than those in brown one. Its rates were decreased with getting longer in storage durations. There was no big differences on germination rates between storage temperatures. The plant growth regulator of GA3 and Kinetin was affected to improve the seed germination. GA3 increased the seed germination clearly at 25 ppm level, while kinetin increased it gradually from 25 to 100 ppm levels. In germination by seed primings, PEG6000 made higher ger- mination rate with increasing their levels, whereas KNO3 increased the germination until 100 mM level and then decreased it with 200 mM unlike PEG6000. The protein expressed during the seed germination were appeared more and clearer bands in the seed after germination, especially 20 ~ 30 kDa, compared to those in the seed before germination. These results show- ing more and clearer bands were positively related to the germination rates which were different by seed colors, storage tem- peratures and durations, and plant growth regulators and primings.