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Wijenayake S, Storey KB. The role of humanin in natural stress tolerance: An underexplored therapeutic avenue. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1866:130022. [PMID: 34626747 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.130022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The discovery of humanin (HN/MTRNR2) 20 years ago blazed a trail to identifying mitochondrial derived peptides with biological function. SCOPE Humanin is associated with pro-survival, cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative properties and may play a role in reducing neurodegenerative and metabolic disease progression. Although the role of humanin in vitro and in vivo laboratory models is well characterized, the regulation of humanin in natural models that encounter lethal cytotoxic and oxidative insults, as part of their natural history, require immediate research. In this review, we discuss the conservation of humanin-homologues across champion hibernators, anoxia and freeze-tolerant vertebrates and postulate on the putative roles of humanin in non-model species. SIGNIFICANCE We hope characterization of humanin in animals that are naturally immune to cellular insults, that are otherwise lethal for non-tolerant species, will elucidate key biomarkers and cytoprotective pathways with therapeutic potential and help differentiate pro-survival mechanisms from cellular consequences of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanoji Wijenayake
- Department of Biology, Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Biological Sciences and the Center for Environmental Epigenetics and Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kenneth B Storey
- Institute of Biochemistry and Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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The Cilioprotist Cytoskeleton , a Model for Understanding How Cell Architecture and Pattern Are Specified: Recent Discoveries from Ciliates and Comparable Model Systems. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2364:251-295. [PMID: 34542858 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1661-1_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
The cytoskeletons of eukaryotic, cilioprotist microorganisms are complex, highly patterned, and diverse, reflecting the varied and elaborate swimming, feeding, reproductive, and sensory behaviors of the multitude of cilioprotist species that inhabit the aquatic environment. In the past 10-20 years, many new discoveries and technologies have helped to advance our understanding of how cytoskeletal organelles are assembled in many different eukaryotic model systems, in relation to the construction and modification of overall cellular architecture and function. Microtubule organizing centers, particularly basal bodies and centrioles, have continued to reveal their central roles in architectural engineering of the eukaryotic cell, including in the cilioprotists. This review calls attention to (1) published resources that illuminate what is known of the cilioprotist cytoskeleton; (2) recent studies on cilioprotists and other model organisms that raise specific questions regarding whether basal body- and centriole-associated nucleic acids, both DNA and RNA, should continue to be considered when seeking to employ cilioprotists as model systems for cytoskeletal research; and (3) new, mainly imaging, technologies that have already proven useful for, but also promise to enhance, future cytoskeletal research on cilioprotists.
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53
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Wood ZT, Wiegardt AK, Barton KL, Clark JD, Homola JJ, Olsen BJ, King BL, Kovach AI, Kinnison MT. Meta-analysis: Congruence of genomic and phenotypic differentiation across diverse natural study systems. Evol Appl 2021; 14:2189-2205. [PMID: 34603492 PMCID: PMC8477602 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Linking genotype to phenotype is a primary goal for understanding the genomic underpinnings of evolution. However, little work has explored whether patterns of linked genomic and phenotypic differentiation are congruent across natural study systems and traits. Here, we investigate such patterns with a meta-analysis of studies examining population-level differentiation at subsets of loci and traits putatively responding to divergent selection. We show that across the 31 studies (88 natural population-level comparisons) we examined, there was a moderate (R 2 = 0.39) relationship between genomic differentiation (F ST ) and phenotypic differentiation (P ST ) for loci and traits putatively under selection. This quantitative relationship between P ST and F ST for loci under selection in diverse taxa provides broad context and cross-system predictions for genomic and phenotypic adaptation by natural selection in natural populations. This context may eventually allow for more precise ideas of what constitutes "strong" differentiation, predictions about the effect size of loci, comparisons of taxa evolving in nonparallel ways, and more. On the other hand, links between P ST and F ST within studies were very weak, suggesting that much work remains in linking genomic differentiation to phenotypic differentiation at specific phenotypes. We suggest that linking genotypes to specific phenotypes can be improved by correlating genomic and phenotypic differentiation across a spectrum of diverging populations within a taxon and including wide coverage of both genomes and phenomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary T. Wood
- School of Biology and EcologyUniversity of MaineOronoMEUSA
- Maine Center for Genetics in the EnvironmentOronoMEUSA
| | - Andrew K. Wiegardt
- Department of Natural Resources and the EnvironmentUniversity of New HampshireDurhamNHUSA
| | - Kayla L. Barton
- Department of Molecular & Biomedical SciencesUniversity of MaineOronoMEUSA
| | - Jonathan D. Clark
- Department of Natural Resources and the EnvironmentUniversity of New HampshireDurhamNHUSA
| | - Jared J. Homola
- Department of Fisheries and WildlifeMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMIUSA
| | - Brian J. Olsen
- Maine Center for Genetics in the EnvironmentOronoMEUSA
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation BiologyUniversity of MaineOronoMEUSA
| | - Benjamin L. King
- Department of Molecular & Biomedical SciencesUniversity of MaineOronoMEUSA
| | - Adrienne I. Kovach
- Department of Natural Resources and the EnvironmentUniversity of New HampshireDurhamNHUSA
| | - Michael T. Kinnison
- School of Biology and EcologyUniversity of MaineOronoMEUSA
- Maine Center for Genetics in the EnvironmentOronoMEUSA
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54
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Malod K, Roets PD, Bosua H, Archer CR, Weldon CW. Selecting on age of female reproduction affects lifespan in both sexes and age-dependent reproductive effort in female (but not male) Ceratitis cosyra. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-021-03063-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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55
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Grillo CA, Holford M, Walter NG. From Flatland to Jupiter: Searching for Rules of Interaction Across Biological Scales. Integr Comp Biol 2021; 61:2048-2052. [PMID: 34254127 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this future-spanning perspective, we examine how an agent based model could be used to define general rules for interactions across biological systems and evolutionary time. To date there have been a number of attempts to simulate the emergence of ecological communities using agent-based models of individuals that have evolving traits. Here we speculate whether it is possible to use this computational modeling to simulate self-organizing systems and, importantly, to decipher universal principles that govern biological interactions. This perspective is a thought exercise, meant to extrapolate from current knowledge to how we may make Jupiter-shot leaps to further advance the biosciences in the 21st century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia A Grillo
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina
| | - Mandë Holford
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College; Programs in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biology CUNY Graduate Center; Department of invertebrate zoology, American Museum of Natural History, Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine
| | - Nils G Walter
- Department of Chemistry and Center for RNA Biomedicine, University of Michigan
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56
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Huang TY, Lee YY, Vidal-Diez de Ulzurrun G, Hsueh YP. Forward genetic screens identified mutants with defects in trap morphogenesis in the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2021; 11:6055540. [PMID: 33585866 PMCID: PMC8022932 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkaa022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Nematode-trapping fungi (NTF) are carnivorous fungi that prey on nematodes under nutrient-poor conditions via specialized hyphae that function as traps. The molecular mechanisms involved in the interactions between NTF and their nematode prey are largely unknown. In this study, we conducted forward genetic screens to identify potential genes and pathways that are involved in trap morphogenesis and predation in the NTF Arthrobotrys oligospora. Using Ethyl methanesulfonate and UV as the mutagens, we generated 5552 randomly mutagenized A. oligospora strains and identified 15 mutants with strong defects in trap morphogenesis. Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analyses revealed mutations in genes with roles in signaling, transcription or membrane transport that may contribute to the defects of trap morphogenesis in these mutants. We further conducted functional analyses on a candidate gene, YBP-1, and demonstrate that mutation of that gene was causative of the phenotypes observed in one of the mutants. The methods established in this study might provide helpful insights for establishing forward genetic screening methods for other non-model fungal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Yu Huang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Nangang, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nangang, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Taiwan University No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Yun Lee
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Nangang, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nangang, Taipei, Taiwan.,Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | | | - Yen-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Nangang, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nangang, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Taiwan University No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei, Taiwan.,Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 106, Taiwan
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57
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Gignac PM, O'Brien HD, Sanchez J, Vazquez-Sanroman D. Multiscale imaging of the rat brain using an integrated diceCT and histology workflow. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 226:2153-2168. [PMID: 34173869 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-021-02316-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Advancements in tissue visualization techniques have spurred significant gains in the biomedical sciences by enabling researchers to integrate their datasets across anatomical scales. Of particular import are techniques that enable the interpolation of multiple hierarchical scales in samples taken from the same individuals. In this study, we demonstrate that two-dimensional histology techniques can be employed on neural tissues following three-dimensional diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography (diceCT) without causing tissue degradation. This represents the first step toward a multiscale pipeline for brain visualization. We studied brains from adolescent male Sprague-Dawley rats, comparing experimental (diceCT-stained then de-stained) to control (without diceCT) brains to examine neural tissues for immunolabeling integrity, compare somata sizes, and distinguish neurons from glial cells within the telencephalon and diencephalon. We hypothesized that if experimental and control samples do not differ significantly in morphological cell analysis, then brain tissues are robust to the chemical, temperature, and radiation environments required for these multiple, successive imaging protocols. Visualizations for experimental brains were first captured via micro-computed tomography scanning of isolated, iodine-infused specimens. Samples were then cleared of iodine, serially sectioned, and prepared again using immunofluorescent, fluorescent, and cresyl violet labeling, followed by imaging with confocal and light microscopy, respectively. Our results show that many neural targets are resilient to diceCT imaging and compatible with downstream histological staining as part of a low-cost, multiscale brain imaging pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Gignac
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA
| | - Haley D O'Brien
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA
| | - Jimena Sanchez
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
| | - Dolores Vazquez-Sanroman
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA.
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58
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Thoré ESJ, Philippe C, Brendonck L, Pinceel T. Towards improved fish tests in ecotoxicology - Efficient chronic and multi-generational testing with the killifish Nothobranchius furzeri. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 273:129697. [PMID: 33517116 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
As many freshwaters are chemically polluted, one of the challenges for policy makers is to determine the potential impact of these pollutants on ecosystems and to define safe concentrations. Common practice is the use of ecotoxicological assays to assess the response of model organisms from different trophic levels such as algae, invertebrates and fish during exposure to dilutions of a specific compound. Ideally, ecotoxicological assessments of (pseudo-)persistent chemicals should be performed across the life-cycle or even multiple generations for an accurate risk assessment. Multigenerational tests with fish are, however, impractical and costly given the long lifespan and generation time of classic model species. Here, we suggest a framework for more relevant, time- and cost-efficient fish-based testing in ecotoxicology and align it with accredited test guidelines. Next, we introduce an upcoming fish model, the turquoise killifish Nothobranchius furzeri, and show how it facilitates such research agendas due to a short lifespan and generation time. Through a review of fish-based exposure studies with a set of reference toxicants, we position N. furzeri as a sensitive species, suitable for screening effects of different pollutant types. Ultimately, we perform a cost-benefit analysis and propose a plan of action for the introduction of N. furzeri into accredited test guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli S J Thoré
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Charlotte Philippe
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Brendonck
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Tom Pinceel
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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59
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Mammola S, Lunghi E, Bilandžija H, Cardoso P, Grimm V, Schmidt SI, Hesselberg T, Martínez A. Collecting eco-evolutionary data in the dark: Impediments to subterranean research and how to overcome them. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:5911-5926. [PMID: 34141192 PMCID: PMC8207145 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Caves and other subterranean habitats fulfill the requirements of experimental model systems to address general questions in ecology and evolution. Yet, the harsh working conditions of these environments and the uniqueness of the subterranean organisms have challenged most attempts to pursuit standardized research.Two main obstacles have synergistically hampered previous attempts. First, there is a habitat impediment related to the objective difficulties of exploring subterranean habitats and our inability to access the network of fissures that represents the elective habitat for the so-called "cave species." Second, there is a biological impediment illustrated by the rarity of most subterranean species and their low physiological tolerance, often limiting sample size and complicating laboratory experiments.We explore the advantages and disadvantages of four general experimental setups (in situ, quasi in situ, ex situ, and in silico) in the light of habitat and biological impediments. We also discuss the potential of indirect approaches to research. Furthermore, using bibliometric data, we provide a quantitative overview of the model organisms that scientists have exploited in the study of subterranean life.Our over-arching goal is to promote caves as model systems where one can perform standardized scientific research. This is important not only to achieve an in-depth understanding of the functioning of subterranean ecosystems but also to fully exploit their long-discussed potential in addressing general scientific questions with implications beyond the boundaries of this discipline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Mammola
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe)Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS)University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Dark‐MEG: Molecular Ecology GroupWater Research Institute (IRSA)National Research Council (CNR)VerbaniaItaly
| | - Enrico Lunghi
- Key Laboratory of the Zoological Systematics and EvolutionInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università degli Studi di Firenze“La Specola”FirenzeItaly
| | - Helena Bilandžija
- Department of Molecular BiologyRudjer Boskovic InstituteZagrebCroatia
| | - Pedro Cardoso
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe)Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS)University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Volker Grimm
- Department of Ecological ModellingHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZLeipzigGermany
- Plant Ecology and Nature ConservationUniversity of PotsdamPotsdamGermany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Susanne I. Schmidt
- Institute of HydrobiologyBiology Centre CASČeské BudějoviceCzech Republic
| | | | - Alejandro Martínez
- Dark‐MEG: Molecular Ecology GroupWater Research Institute (IRSA)National Research Council (CNR)VerbaniaItaly
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60
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Barreira SN, Nguyen AD, Fredriksen MT, Wolfsberg TG, Moreland RT, Baxevanis AD. AniProtDB: A Collection of Consistently Generated Metazoan Proteomes for Comparative Genomics Studies. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:4628-4633. [PMID: 34048573 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
To address the void in the availability of high-quality proteomic data traversing the animal tree, we have implemented a pipeline for generating de novo assemblies based on publicly available data from the NCBI Sequence Read Archive, yielding a comprehensive collection of proteomes from 100 species spanning 21 animal phyla. We have also created the Animal Proteome Database (AniProtDB), a resource providing open access to this collection of high-quality metazoan proteomes, along with information on predicted proteins and protein domains for each taxonomic classification and the ability to perform sequence similarity searches against all proteomes generated using this pipeline. This solution vastly increases the utility of these data by removing the barrier to access for research groups who do not have the expertise or resources to generate these data themselves and enables the use of data from non-traditional research organisms that have the potential to address key questions in biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia N Barreira
- Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Anh-Dao Nguyen
- Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Mark T Fredriksen
- Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Tyra G Wolfsberg
- Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - R Travis Moreland
- Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Andreas D Baxevanis
- Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
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Davison A, Neiman M. Mobilizing molluscan models and genomes in biology. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200163. [PMID: 33813892 PMCID: PMC8059959 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Molluscs are among the most ancient, diverse, and important of all animal taxa. Even so, no individual mollusc species has emerged as a broadly applied model system in biology. We here make the case that both perceptual and methodological barriers have played a role in the relative neglect of molluscs as research organisms. We then summarize the current application and potential of molluscs and their genomes to address important questions in animal biology, and the state of the field when it comes to the availability of resources such as genome assemblies, cell lines, and other key elements necessary to mobilising the development of molluscan model systems. We conclude by contending that a cohesive research community that works together to elevate multiple molluscan systems to 'model' status will create new opportunities in addressing basic and applied biological problems, including general features of animal evolution. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Molluscan genomics: broad insights and future directions for a neglected phylum'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angus Davison
- School of Life Sciences, University Park, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Maurine Neiman
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Baldridge D, Wangler MF, Bowman AN, Yamamoto S, Schedl T, Pak SC, Postlethwait JH, Shin J, Solnica-Krezel L, Bellen HJ, Westerfield M. Model organisms contribute to diagnosis and discovery in the undiagnosed diseases network: current state and a future vision. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:206. [PMID: 33962631 PMCID: PMC8103593 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-01839-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Decreased sequencing costs have led to an explosion of genetic and genomic data. These data have revealed thousands of candidate human disease variants. Establishing which variants cause phenotypes and diseases, however, has remained challenging. Significant progress has been made, including advances by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN). However, 6000-13,000 additional disease genes remain to be identified. The continued discovery of rare diseases and their genetic underpinnings provides benefits to affected patients, of whom there are more than 400 million worldwide, and also advances understanding the mechanisms of more common diseases. Platforms employing model organisms enable discovery of novel gene-disease relationships, help establish variant pathogenicity, and often lead to the exploration of underlying mechanisms of pathophysiology that suggest new therapies. The Model Organism Screening Center (MOSC) of the UDN is a unique resource dedicated to utilizing informatics and functional studies in model organisms, including worm (Caenorhabditis elegans), fly (Drosophila melanogaster), and zebrafish (Danio rerio), to aid in diagnosis. The MOSC has directly contributed to the diagnosis of challenging cases, including multiple patients with complex, multi-organ phenotypes. In addition, the MOSC provides a framework for how basic scientists and clinicians can collaborate to drive diagnoses. Customized experimental plans take into account patient presentations, specific genes and variant(s), and appropriateness of each model organism for analysis. The MOSC also generates bioinformatic and experimental tools and reagents for the wider scientific community. Two elements of the MOSC that have been instrumental in its success are (1) multidisciplinary teams with expertise in variant bioinformatics and in human and model organism genetics, and (2) mechanisms for ongoing communication with clinical teams. Here we provide a position statement regarding the central role of model organisms for continued discovery of disease genes, and we advocate for the continuation and expansion of MOSC-type research entities as a Model Organisms Network (MON) to be funded through grant applications submitted to the NIH, family groups focused on specific rare diseases, other philanthropic organizations, industry partnerships, and other sources of support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin Baldridge
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Michael F Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Angela N Bowman
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Tim Schedl
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Stephen C Pak
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | | | - Jimann Shin
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Lilianna Solnica-Krezel
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, BCM, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Monte Westerfield
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
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63
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Biodiversity-based development and evolution: the emerging research systems in model and non-model organisms. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2021; 64:1236-1280. [PMID: 33893979 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1915-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Evolutionary developmental biology, or Evo-Devo for short, has become an established field that, broadly speaking, seeks to understand how changes in development drive major transitions and innovation in organismal evolution. It does so via integrating the principles and methods of many subdisciplines of biology. Although we have gained unprecedented knowledge from the studies on model organisms in the past decades, many fundamental and crucially essential processes remain a mystery. Considering the tremendous biodiversity of our planet, the current model organisms seem insufficient for us to understand the evolutionary and physiological processes of life and its adaptation to exterior environments. The currently increasing genomic data and the recently available gene-editing tools make it possible to extend our studies to non-model organisms. In this review, we review the recent work on the regulatory signaling of developmental and regeneration processes, environmental adaptation, and evolutionary mechanisms using both the existing model animals such as zebrafish and Drosophila, and the emerging nonstandard model organisms including amphioxus, ascidian, ciliates, single-celled phytoplankton, and marine nematode. In addition, the challenging questions and new directions in these systems are outlined as well.
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DeLorenzo DM, Diao J, Carr R, Hu Y, Moon TS. An Improved CRISPR Interference Tool to Engineer Rhodococcus opacus. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:786-798. [PMID: 33787248 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Rhodococcus opacus is a nonmodel bacterium that is well suited for valorizing lignin. Despite recent advances in our systems-level understanding of its versatile metabolism, studies of its gene functions at a single gene level are still lagging. Elucidating gene functions in nonmodel organisms is challenging due to limited genetic engineering tools that are convenient to use. To address this issue, we developed a simple gene repression system based on CRISPR interference (CRISPRi). This gene repression system uses a T7 RNA polymerase system to express a small guide RNA, demonstrating improved repression compared to the previously demonstrated CRISPRi system (i.e., the maximum repression efficiency improved from 58% to 85%). Additionally, our cloning strategy allows for building multiple CRISPRi plasmids in parallel without any PCR step, facilitating the engineering of this GC-rich organism. Using the improved CRISPRi system, we confirmed the annotated roles of four metabolic pathway genes, which had been identified by our previous transcriptomic analysis to be related to the consumption of benzoate, vanillate, catechol, and acetate. Furthermore, we showed our tool's utility by demonstrating the inducible accumulation of muconate that is a precursor of adipic acid, an important monomer for nylon production. While the maximum muconate yield obtained using our tool was 30% of the yield obtained using gene knockout, our tool showed its inducibility and partial repressibility. Our CRISPRi tool will be useful to facilitate functional studies of this nonmodel organism and engineer this promising microbial chassis for lignin valorization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew M. DeLorenzo
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Jinjin Diao
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Rhiannon Carr
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Yifeng Hu
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Tae Seok Moon
- Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
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65
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Roger LM, Reich HG, Lawrence E, Li S, Vizgaudis W, Brenner N, Kumar L, Klein-Seetharaman J, Yang J, Putnam HM, Lewinski NA. Applying model approaches in non-model systems: A review and case study on coral cell culture. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248953. [PMID: 33831033 PMCID: PMC8031391 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Model systems approaches search for commonality in patterns underlying biological diversity and complexity led by common evolutionary paths. The success of the approach does not rest on the species chosen but on the scalability of the model and methods used to develop the model and engage research. Fine-tuning approaches to improve coral cell cultures will provide a robust platform for studying symbiosis breakdown, the calcification mechanism and its disruption, protein interactions, micronutrient transport/exchange, and the toxicity of nanoparticles, among other key biological aspects, with the added advantage of minimizing the ethical conundrum of repeated testing on ecologically threatened organisms. The work presented here aimed to lay the foundation towards development of effective methods to sort and culture reef-building coral cells with the ultimate goal of obtaining immortal cell lines for the study of bleaching, disease and toxicity at the cellular and polyp levels. To achieve this objective, the team conducted a thorough review and tested the available methods (i.e. cell dissociation, isolation, sorting, attachment and proliferation). The most effective and reproducible techniques were combined to consolidate culture methods and generate uncontaminated coral cell cultures for ~7 days (10 days maximum). The tests were conducted on scleractinian corals Pocillopora acuta of the same genotype to harmonize results and reduce variation linked to genetic diversity. The development of cell separation and identification methods in conjunction with further investigations into coral cell-type specific metabolic requirements will allow us to tailor growth media for optimized monocultures as a tool for studying essential reef-building coral traits such as symbiosis, wound healing and calcification at multiple scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza M. Roger
- Life Science and Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Hannah G. Reich
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Evan Lawrence
- Life Science and Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Shuaifeng Li
- Aeronautics and Astronautics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Whitney Vizgaudis
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Nathan Brenner
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Lokender Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, United States of America
| | | | - Jinkyu Yang
- Aeronautics and Astronautics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Hollie M. Putnam
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Nastassja A. Lewinski
- Life Science and Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
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66
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Masoero L, Camerlenghi F, Favaro S, Broderick T. More for less: predicting and maximizing genomic variant discovery via Bayesian nonparametrics. Biometrika 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biomet/asab012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Summary
While the cost of sequencing genomes has decreased dramatically in recent years, this expense often remains nontrivial. Under a fixed budget, scientists face a natural trade-off between quantity and quality: spending resources to sequence a greater number of genomes or spending resources to sequence genomes with increased accuracy. Our goal is to find the optimal allocation of resources between quantity and quality. Optimizing resource allocation promises to reveal as many new variations in the genome as possible. We introduce a Bayesian nonparametric methodology to predict the number of new variants in a follow-up study based on a pilot study. When experimental conditions are kept constant between the pilot and follow-up, we find that our prediction is competitive with the best existing methods. Unlike current methods, though, our new method allows practitioners to change experimental conditions between the pilot and the follow-up. We demonstrate how this distinction allows our method to be used for more realistic predictions and for optimal allocation of a fixed budget between quality and quantity. We validate our method on cancer and human genomics data.
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67
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Wojahn JMA, Galla SJ, Melton AE, Buerki S. G2PMineR: A Genome to Phenome Literature Review Approach. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12020293. [PMID: 33672535 PMCID: PMC7923769 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a gap in the conceptual framework linking genes to phenotypes (G2P) for non-model organisms, as most non-model organisms do not yet have genomic resources readily available. To address this, researchers often perform literature reviews to understand G2P linkages by curating a list of likely gene candidates, hinging upon other studies already conducted in closely related systems. Sifting through hundreds to thousands of articles is a cumbersome task that slows down the scientific process and may introduce bias into a study. To fill this gap, we created G2PMineR, a free and open source literature mining tool developed specifically for G2P research. This R package uses automation to make the G2P review process efficient and unbiased, while also generating hypothesized associations between genes and phenotypes within a taxonomical framework. We applied the package to a literature review for drought-tolerance in plants. The analysis provides biologically meaningful results within the known framework of drought tolerance in plants. Overall, the package is useful for conducting literature reviews for genome to phenome projects, and also has broad appeal to scientists investigating a wide range of study systems as it can conduct analyses under the auspices of three different kingdoms (Plantae, Animalia, and Fungi).
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68
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Gribble KE. Brachionus rotifers as a model for investigating dietary and metabolic regulators of aging. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 6:1-15. [PMID: 33709041 PMCID: PMC7903245 DOI: 10.3233/nha-200104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Because every species has unique attributes relevant to understanding specific aspects of aging, using a diversity of study systems and a comparative biology approach for aging research has the potential to lead to novel discoveries applicable to human health. Monogonont rotifers, a standard model for studies of aquatic ecology, evolutionary biology, and ecotoxicology, have also been used to study lifespan and healthspan for nearly a century. However, because much of this work has been published in the ecology and evolutionary biology literature, it may not be known to the biomedical research community. In this review, we provide an overview of Brachionus rotifers as a model to investigate nutritional and metabolic regulators of aging, with a focus on recent studies of dietary and metabolic pathway manipulation. Rotifers are microscopic, aquatic invertebrates with many advantages as a system for studying aging, including a two-week lifespan, easy laboratory culture, direct development without a larval stage, sexual and asexual reproduction, easy delivery of pharmaceuticals in liquid culture, and transparency allowing imaging of cellular morphology and processes. Rotifers have greater gene homology with humans than do established invertebrate models for aging, and thus rotifers may be used to investigate novel genetic mechanisms relevant to human lifespan and healthspan. The research on caloric restriction; dietary, pharmaceutical, and genetic interventions; and transcriptomics of aging using rotifers provide insights into the metabolic regulators of lifespan and health and suggest future directions for aging research. Capitalizing on the unique biology of Brachionus rotifers, referencing the vast existing literature about the influence of diet and drugs on rotifer lifespan and health, continuing the development of genetic tools for rotifers, and growing the rotifer research community will lead to new discoveries a better understanding of the biology of aging.
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69
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Diz AP, Sánchez-Marín P. A Primer and Guidelines for Shotgun Proteomic Analysis in Non-model Organisms. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2259:77-102. [PMID: 33687710 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1178-4_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
During the last decade, we have witnessed outstanding advances in proteomics led mostly by great technological improvements in mass spectrometry field allowing high-throughput production of high-quality data used for massive protein identification and quantification. From a practical viewpoint, these advances have been mainly exploited in research projects involving model organisms with abundant genomic and proteomic information available in public databases. However, there is a growing number of organisms of high interest in different disciplines, such as ecological, biotechnological, and evolutionary research, yet poorly represented in these databases. Important advances in massive parallel sequencing technology and easy accessibility of this technology to many research laboratories have made nowadays possible to produce customized genomic and proteomic databases of any organism. Along this line, the use of proteogenomic approaches by combining in the same analysis the data obtained from different omic levels has emerged as a very useful and powerful strategy to run shotgun proteomic experiments specially focused on non-model organisms. In this chapter, we provide detailed procedures to undertake shotgun quantitative proteomic experiments following either a label-free or an isobaric labeling approach in non-model organisms, emphasizing also a few key aspects related to experimental design and data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel P Diz
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Immunology, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain. .,Marine Research Center, University of Vigo (CIM-UVIGO), Vigo, Spain.
| | - Paula Sánchez-Marín
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Vigo, Spain
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70
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Wei KHC, Mantha A, Bachtrog D. The Theory and Applications of Measuring Broad-Range and Chromosome-Wide Recombination Rate from Allele Frequency Decay around a Selected Locus. Mol Biol Evol 2020; 37:3654-3671. [PMID: 32658965 PMCID: PMC7743735 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msaa171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombination is the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes via physical crossovers. High-throughput sequencing approaches detect crossovers genome wide to produce recombination rate maps but are difficult to scale as they require large numbers of recombinants individually sequenced. We present a simple and scalable pooled-sequencing approach to experimentally infer near chromosome-wide recombination rates by taking advantage of non-Mendelian allele frequency generated from a fitness differential at a locus under selection. As more crossovers decouple the selected locus from distal loci, the distorted allele frequency attenuates distally toward Mendelian and can be used to estimate the genetic distance. Here, we use marker selection to generate distorted allele frequency and theoretically derive the mathematical relationships between allele frequency attenuation, genetic distance, and recombination rate in marker-selected pools. We implemented nonlinear curve-fitting methods that robustly estimate the allele frequency decay from batch sequencing of pooled individuals and derive chromosome-wide genetic distance and recombination rates. Empirically, we show that marker-selected pools closely recapitulate genetic distances inferred from scoring recombinants. Using this method, we generated novel recombination rate maps of three wild-derived strains of Drosophila melanogaster, which strongly correlate with previous measurements. Moreover, we show that this approach can be extended to estimate chromosome-wide crossover interference with reciprocal marker selection and discuss how it can be applied in the absence of visible markers. Altogether, we find that our method is a simple and cost-effective approach to generate chromosome-wide recombination rate maps requiring only one or two libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin H-C Wei
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Aditya Mantha
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Doris Bachtrog
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
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71
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Farris SM. The rise to dominance of genetic model organisms and the decline of curiosity-driven organismal research. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243088. [PMID: 33259560 PMCID: PMC7707607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Curiosity-driven, basic biological research "…performed without thought of practical ends…" establishes fundamental conceptual frameworks for future technological and medical breakthroughs. Traditionally, curiosity-driven research in biological sciences has utilized experimental organisms chosen for their tractability and suitability for studying the question of interest. This approach leverages the diversity of life to uncover working solutions (adaptations) to problems encountered by living things, and evolutionary context as to the extent to which these solutions may be generalized to other species. Despite the well-documented success of this approach, funding portfolios of United States granting agencies are increasingly filled with studies on a few species for which cutting-edge molecular tools are available (genetic model organisms). While this narrow focus may be justified for biomedically-focused funding bodies such as the National Institutes of Health, it is critical that robust federal support for curiosity-driven research using diverse experimental organisms be maintained by agencies such as the National Science Foundation. Using the disciplines of neurobiology and behavioral research as an example, this study finds that NSF grant awards have declined in association with a decrease in the proportion of grants funded for experimental, rather than genetic model organism research. The decline in use of experimental organisms in the literature mirrors but predates the shift grant funding. Today's dominance of genetic model organisms was thus initiated by researchers themselves and/or by publication peer review and editorial preferences, and was further reinforced by pressure from granting agencies, academic employers, and the scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Farris
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
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72
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Abstract
All multicellular organisms are associated with a diverse and specific community of microorganisms; consequently, the microbiome is of fundamental importance for health and fitness of the multicellular host. However, studies on microbiome contribution to host fitness are in their infancy, in particular, for less well-established hosts such as the moon jellyfish Aurelia aurita. Here, we studied the impact of the native microbiome on the asexual reproduction and on further fitness traits (health, growth, and feeding) of the basal metazoan due to induced changes in its microbiome. We observed significant impact on all fitness traits analyzed, in particular, in the absence of the protective microbial shield and when challenged with marine potentially pathogenic bacterial isolates. Notable is the identified crucial importance of the native microbiome for the generation of offspring, consequently affecting life cycle decisions. Thus, we conclude that the microbiome is essential for the maintenance of a healthy metaorganism. All multicellular organisms are associated with microbial communities, ultimately forming a metaorganism. Several studies conducted on well-established model organisms point to immunological, metabolic, and behavioral benefits of the associated microbiota for the host. Consequently, a microbiome can influence the physiology of a host; moreover, microbial community shifts can affect host health and fitness. The present study aimed to evaluate the significance and functional role of the native microbiota for life cycle transitions and fitness of the cnidarian moon jellyfish Aurelia aurita. A comprehensive host fitness experiment was conducted studying the polyp life stage and integrating 12 combinations of treatments with microbiota modification (sterile conditions, foreign food bacteria, and potential pathogens). Asexual reproduction, e.g., generation of daughter polyps, and the formation and release of ephyrae were highly affected in the absence of the native microbiota, ultimately resulting in a halt of strobilation and ephyra release. Assessment of further fitness traits showed that health, growth, and feeding rate were decreased in the absence and upon community changes of the native microbiota, e.g., when challenged with selected bacteria. Moreover, changes in microbial community patterns were detected by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing during the course of the experiment. This demonstrated that six operational taxonomic units (OTUs) significantly correlated and explained up to 97% of fitness data variability, strongly supporting the association of impaired fitness with the absence/presence of specific bacteria. Conclusively, our study provides new insights into the importance and function of the microbiome for asexual reproduction, health, and fitness of the basal metazoan A. aurita.
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73
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Reid BN, Moran RL, Kopack CJ, Fitzpatrick SW. Rapture-ready darters: Choice of reference genome and genotyping method (whole-genome or sequence capture) influence population genomic inference in Etheostoma. Mol Ecol Resour 2020; 21:404-420. [PMID: 33058399 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Researchers studying nonmodel organisms have an increasing number of methods available for generating genomic data. However, the applicability of different methods across species, as well as the effect of reference genome choice on population genomic inference, remain difficult to predict in many cases. We evaluated the impact of data type (whole-genome vs. reduced representation) and reference genome choice on data quality and on population genomic and phylogenomic inference across several species of darters (subfamily Etheostomatinae), a highly diverse radiation of freshwater fish. We generated a high-quality reference genome and developed a hybrid RADseq/sequence capture (Rapture) protocol for the Arkansas darter (Etheostoma cragini). Rapture data from 1,900 individuals spanning four darter species showed recovery of most loci across darter species at high depth and consistent estimates of heterozygosity regardless of reference genome choice. Loci with baits spanning both sides of the restriction enzyme cut site performed especially well across species. For low-coverage whole-genome data, choice of reference genome affected read depth and inferred heterozygosity. For similar amounts of sequence data, Rapture performed better at identifying fine-scale genetic structure compared to whole-genome sequencing. Rapture loci also recovered an accurate phylogeny for the study species and demonstrated high phylogenetic informativeness across the evolutionary history of the genus Etheostoma. Low cost and high cross-species effectiveness regardless of reference genome suggest that Rapture and similar sequence capture methods may be worthwhile choices for studies of diverse species radiations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan N Reid
- Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, MI, USA
| | - Rachel L Moran
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | | | - Sarah W Fitzpatrick
- Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, MI, USA.,Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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74
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Velle KB, Fritz-Laylin LK. Conserved actin machinery drives microtubule-independent motility and phagocytosis in Naegleria. J Cell Biol 2020; 219:e202007158. [PMID: 32960946 PMCID: PMC7594500 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202007158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Much of our understanding of actin-driven phenotypes in eukaryotes has come from the "yeast-to-human" opisthokont lineage and the related amoebozoa. Outside of these groups lies the genus Naegleria, which shared a common ancestor with humans >1 billion years ago and includes the "brain-eating amoeba." Unlike nearly all other known eukaryotic cells, Naegleria amoebae lack interphase microtubules; this suggests that actin alone drives phenotypes like cell crawling and phagocytosis. Naegleria therefore represents a powerful system to probe actin-driven functions in the absence of microtubules, yet surprisingly little is known about its actin cytoskeleton. Using genomic analysis, microscopy, and molecular perturbations, we show that Naegleria encodes conserved actin nucleators and builds Arp2/3-dependent lamellar protrusions. These protrusions correlate with the capacity to migrate and eat bacteria. Because human cells also use Arp2/3-dependent lamellar protrusions for motility and phagocytosis, this work supports an evolutionarily ancient origin for these processes and establishes Naegleria as a natural model system for studying microtubule-independent cytoskeletal phenotypes.
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75
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Thoré ESJ, Brendonck L, Pinceel T. Conspecific density and environmental complexity impact behaviour of turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri). JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2020; 97:1448-1461. [PMID: 32845514 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fish models are essential for research in many biological and medical disciplines. With a typical lifespan of only 6 months, the Turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri) was recently established as a time- and cost-efficient model to facilitate whole-life and multigenerational studies in several research fields, including behavioural ecotoxicology. Essential information on the behavioural norm and on how laboratory conditions affect behaviour, however, is deficient. In the current study, we examined the impact of the social and structural environment on a broad spectrum of behavioural endpoints in N. furzeri. While structural enrichment affected only fish boldness and exploratory behaviour, fish rearing density affected the total body length, locomotor activity, boldness, aggressiveness and feeding behaviour of N. furzeri individuals. Overall, these results contribute to compiling a behavioural baseline for N. furzeri that increases the applicability of this new model species. Furthermore, our findings will fuel the development of improved husbandry protocols to maximize the welfare of N. furzeri in a laboratory setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli S J Thoré
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Brendonck
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Tom Pinceel
- Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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76
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Douda K, Escobar-Calderón F, Vodáková B, Horký P, Slavík O, Sousa R. In situ and low-cost monitoring of particles falling from freshwater animals: from microplastics to parasites. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 8:coaa088. [PMID: 33005421 PMCID: PMC7519624 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A simple and low-cost method of monitoring and collecting particulate matter detaching from (or interacting with) aquatic animals is described using a novel device based on an airlift pump principle applied to floating cages. The efficiency of the technique in particle collection is demonstrated using polyethylene microspheres interacting with a cyprinid fish (Carassius carassius) and a temporarily parasitic stage (glochidia) of an endangered freshwater mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) dropping from experimentally infested host fish (Salmo trutta). The technique enables the monitoring of temporal dynamics of particle detachment and their continuous collection both in the laboratory and in situ, allowing the experimental animals to be kept under natural water quality regimes and reducing the need for handling and transport. The technique can improve the representativeness of current experimental methods used in the fields of environmental parasitology, animal feeding ecology and microplastic pathway studies in aquatic environments. In particular, it makes it accessible to study the physiological compatibility of glochidia and their hosts, which is an essential but understudied autecological feature in mussel conservation programs worldwide. Field placement of the technique can also aid in outreach programs with pay-offs in the increase of scientific literacy of citizens concerning neglected issues such as the importance of fish hosts for the conservation of freshwater mussels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karel Douda
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, CZ-165 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Felipe Escobar-Calderón
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, CZ-165 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Vodáková
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, CZ-165 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Horký
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, CZ-165 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Slavík
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, CZ-165 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ronaldo Sousa
- CBMA, Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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77
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Chen CY, McKinney SA, Ellington LR, Gibson MC. Hedgehog signaling is required for endomesodermal patterning and germ cell development in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis. eLife 2020; 9:e54573. [PMID: 32969790 PMCID: PMC7515634 DOI: 10.7554/elife.54573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Two distinct mechanisms for primordial germ cell (PGC) specification are observed within Bilatera: early determination by maternal factors or late induction by zygotic cues. Here we investigate the molecular basis for PGC specification in Nematostella, a representative pre-bilaterian animal where PGCs arise as paired endomesodermal cell clusters during early development. We first present evidence that the putative PGCs delaminate from the endomesoderm upon feeding, migrate into the gonad primordia, and mature into germ cells. We then show that the PGC clusters arise at the interface between hedgehog1 and patched domains in the developing mesenteries and use gene knockdown, knockout and inhibitor experiments to demonstrate that Hh signaling is required for both PGC specification and general endomesodermal patterning. These results provide evidence that the Nematostella germline is specified by inductive signals rather than maternal factors, and support the existence of zygotically-induced PGCs in the eumetazoan common ancestor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yi Chen
- Stowers Institute for Medical ResearchKansas CityUnited States
| | - Sean A McKinney
- Stowers Institute for Medical ResearchKansas CityUnited States
| | | | - Matthew C Gibson
- Stowers Institute for Medical ResearchKansas CityUnited States
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Kansas School of MedicineKansas CityUnited States
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Abstract
For the last century we have relied on model organisms to help understand fundamental biological processes. Now, with advancements in genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation, non-model organisms may be studied with the same advanced bioanalytical toolkit as model organisms. Proteomics is one such technique, which classically relies on predicted protein sequences to catalog and measure complex proteomes across tissues and biofluids. Applying proteomics to non-model organisms can advance and accelerate biomimicry studies, biomedical advancements, veterinary medicine, agricultural research, behavioral ecology, and food safety. In this postmodel organism era, we can study almost any species, meaning that many non-model organisms are, in fact, important emerging model organisms. Herein we specifically focus on eukaryotic organisms and discuss the steps to generate sequence databases, analyze proteomic data with or without a database, and interpret results as well as future research opportunities. Proteomics is more accessible than ever before and will continue to rapidly advance in the coming years, enabling critical research and discoveries in non-model organisms that were hitherto impossible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Heck
- Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research Unit, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Plant Pathology and Plant Microbe Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin A. Neely
- Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, SC, USA
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79
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Krishnaswamy B, McClean MN. Shining light on molecular communication. PROCEEDINGS OF THE 7TH ACM INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON NANOSCALE COMPUTING AND COMMUNICATION : VIRTUAL CONFERENCE, SEPTEMBER 23-25, 2020 : NANOCOM 2020. ACM INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON NANOSCALE COMPUTING AND COMMUNICATION (7TH : 2020 :... 2020; 2020:11. [PMID: 35425948 PMCID: PMC9006593 DOI: 10.1145/3411295.3411307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Molecules and combinations of molecules are the natural communication currency of microbes; microbes have evolved and been engineered to sense a variety of compounds, often with exquisite sensitivity. The availability of microbial biosensors, combined with the ability to genetically engineer biological circuits to process information, make microbes attractive bionanomachines for propagating information through molecular communication (MC) networks. However, MC networks built entirely of biological components suffer a number of limitations. They are extremely slow due to processing and propagation delays and must employ simple algorithms due to the still limited computational capabilities of biological circuits. In this work, we propose a hybrid bio-electronic framework which utilizes biological components for sensing but offloads processing and computation to traditional electronic systems and communication infrastructure. This is achieved by using tools from the burgeoning field of optogenetics to trigger biosensing through an optoelectronic interface, alleviating the need for computation and communication in the biological domain.
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80
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Nosala C, Hagen KD, Hilton N, Chase TM, Jones K, Loudermilk R, Nguyen K, Dawson SC. Disc-associated proteins mediate the unusual hyperstability of the ventral disc in Giardia lamblia. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs.227355. [PMID: 32661087 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.227355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia lamblia, a widespread parasitic protozoan, attaches to the host gastrointestinal epithelium by using the ventral disc, a complex microtubule (MT) organelle. The 'cup-like' disc is formed by a spiral MT array that scaffolds numerous disc-associated proteins (DAPs) and higher-order protein complexes. In interphase, the disc is hyperstable and has limited MT dynamics; however, it remains unclear how DAPs confer these properties. To investigate mechanisms of hyperstability, we confirmed the disc-specific localization of over 50 new DAPs identified by using both a disc proteome and an ongoing GFP localization screen. DAPs localize to specific disc regions and many lack similarity to known proteins. By screening 14 CRISPRi-mediated DAP knockdown (KD) strains for defects in hyperstability and MT dynamics, we identified two strains - DAP5188KD and DAP6751KD -with discs that dissociate following high-salt fractionation. Discs in the DAP5188KD strain were also sensitive to treatment with the MT-polymerization inhibitor nocodazole. Thus, we confirm here that at least two of the 87 known DAPs confer hyperstable properties to the disc MTs, and we anticipate that other DAPs contribute to disc MT stability, nucleation and assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Nosala
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kari D Hagen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Nicholas Hilton
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Tiffany M Chase
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kelci Jones
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Rita Loudermilk
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kristofer Nguyen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Scott C Dawson
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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81
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Blommaert J. Genome size evolution: towards new model systems for old questions. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201441. [PMID: 32842932 PMCID: PMC7482279 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome size (GS) variation is a fundamental biological characteristic; however, its evolutionary causes and consequences are the topic of ongoing debate. Whether GS is a neutral trait or one subject to selective pressures, and how strong these selective pressures are, may remain open questions. Fundamentally, the genomic sequences responsible for this variation directly impact the potential evolutionary outcomes and, equally, are the targets of different evolutionary pressures. For example, duplications and deletions of genic regions (large or small) can have immediate and drastic phenotypic effects, while an expansion or contraction of non-coding DNA is less likely to cause catastrophic phenotypic effects. However, in the long term, the accumulation or deletion of ncDNA is likely to have larger effects. Modern sequencing technologies are allowing for the dissection of these proximate causes, but a combination of these new technologies with more traditional evolutionary experiments and approaches could revolutionize this debate and potentially resolve many of these arguments. Here, I discuss an ambitious way forward for GS research, putting it in context of historical debates, theories and sometimes contradictory evidence, and highlighting the promise of combining new sequencing technologies and analytical developments with more traditional experimental evolution approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Blommaert
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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82
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Waldvogel AM, Schreiber D, Pfenninger M, Feldmeyer B. Climate Change Genomics Calls for Standardized Data Reporting. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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83
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Abstract
The transition of life from single cells to more complex multicellular forms has occurred at least two dozen times among eukaryotes and is one of the major evolutionary transitions, but the early steps that enabled multicellular life to evolve and thrive remain poorly understood. Volvocine green algae are a taxonomic group that is uniquely suited to investigating the step-wise acquisition of multicellular organization. The multicellular volvocine species Volvox carteri exhibits many hallmarks of complex multicellularity including complete germ–soma division of labor, asymmetric cell divisions, coordinated tissue-level morphogenesis, and dimorphic sexes—none of which have obvious analogs in its closest unicellular relative, the model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Here, I summarize some of the key questions and areas of study that are being addressed with Volvox carteri and how increasing genomic information and methodologies for volvocine algae are opening up the entire group as an integrated experimental system for exploring the evolution of multicellularity and more.
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Affiliation(s)
- James G Umen
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 N. Warson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63132 USA
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84
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Gómez RA, Maddison DR. Novelty and emergent patterns in sperm: Morphological diversity and evolution of spermatozoa and sperm conjugation in ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae). J Morphol 2020; 281:862-892. [PMID: 32557896 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The beetle family Carabidae, with about 40,000 species, exhibits enough diversity in sperm structure and behavior to be an excellent model system for studying patterns and processes of evolution. We explore their potential, documenting sperm form in 177 species of ground beetles using light microscopy and collecting data on one qualitative and seven quantitative phenotypic traits. Our sampling captures 61% of the tribal-level diversity of ground beetles. These data highlight the notable morphological diversity of sperm in ground beetles and suggest that sperm in the group have dynamic evolutionary histories with much morphological innovation and convergence. Sperm vary among species in total length (48-3,400 μm), head length (0.5-270 μm), and head width (0.2-6.3 μm). Most ground beetles make sperm with heads that are indistinct from the flagella at the gross morphological level. However, some or all Omophron, Trachypachus, and Dyschiriini make broad-headed sperm that show morphological differences between species. Most ground beetles package their sperm into groups of sperm, termed conjugates, and ground beetles show variation in conjugate form and in the number and arrangement of sperm in a conjugate. Most ground beetles make sperm conjugates by embedding their sperm in a hyaline rod or spermatostyle. The spermatostyle is remarkably variable among species and varies in length from 17 to 41,000 μm. Several unrelated groups of ground beetles make only singleton sperm, including Nebriinae, Cicindelinae, many Trechinae, and the tribe Paussini. In order to study patterns in sperm evolution, we combine these data with a low-resolution phylogeny of ground beetles. Results from modern comparative analyses suggest the following: (a) sperm differ from conjugates in some aspect of their underlying evolutionary process, (b) sperm have influenced conjugate evolution and vice versa, and (c) conjugation with a spermatostyle likely evolved early within the history of Carabidae and it has been lost independently at least three times.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Antonio Gómez
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - David R Maddison
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
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85
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Southey BR, Rodriguez-Zas SL, Rhodes JS, Sweedler JV. Characterization of the prohormone complement in Amphiprion and related fish species integrating genome and transcriptome assemblies. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228562. [PMID: 32163422 PMCID: PMC7067429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The Amphiprion (anemonefish or clownfish) family of teleost fish, which is not a common model species, exhibits multiple unique characteristics, including social control of body size and protandrous sex change. The social changes in sex and body size are modulated by neuropeptide signaling pathways. These neuropeptides are formed from complex processing from larger prohormone proteins; understanding the neuropeptide complement requires information on complete prohormones sequences. Genome and transcriptome information within and across 22 teleost fish species, including 11 Amphiprion species, were assembled and integrated to achieve the first comprehensive survey of their prohormone genes. This information enabled the identification of 175 prohormone isoforms from 159 prohormone proteins across all species. This included identification of 9 CART prepropeptide genes and the loss of insulin-like 5B and tachykinin precursor 1B genes in Pomacentridae species. Transcriptome assemblies generally detected most prohormone genes but provided fewer prohormone genes than genome assemblies due to the lack of expression of prohormone genes or specific isoforms and tissue sampled. Comparisons between duplicate genes indicated that subfunctionalization, degradation, and neofunctionalization may be occurring between all copies. Characterization of the prohormone complement lays the foundation for future peptidomic investigation of the molecular basis of social physiology and behavior in the teleost fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce R. Southey
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Sandra L. Rodriguez-Zas
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Statistics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Justin S. Rhodes
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jonathan V. Sweedler
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
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86
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Prathiviraj R, Chellapandi P. Modeling a global regulatory network of Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus strain ∆H. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13721-020-0223-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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87
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Della Togna G, Howell LG, Clulow J, Langhorne CJ, Marcec-Greaves R, Calatayud NE. Evaluating amphibian biobanking and reproduction for captive breeding programs according to the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan objectives. Theriogenology 2020; 150:412-431. [PMID: 32127175 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The Amphibian Conservation Action Plan (ACAP), published in 2007, is a formal document of international significance that proposed eleven relevant actions for global amphibian conservation. Action seven of the ACAP document addresses the use of amphibian captive programs as a conservation tool. Appendix material under this action explores the potential use of Genome Resource Banking (biobanking) as an urgently needed tool for these captive programs. ACAP proposed twelve objectives for Genome Resource Banking which exhibit little emphasis on reproduction as a vital underlying science for amphibian Captive Breeding Programs (CBP's). Here we have reassessed the original twelve ACAP objectives for amphibian reproduction and biobanking for CBP's as a contribution to future ACAP review processes. We have reviewed recent advances since the original objectives, as well as highlighted weaknesses and strengths for each of these objectives. We make various scientific, policy and economic recommendations based on the current reality and recent advances in relevant science in order to inform future ACAP towards new global objectives. The number of amphibian CBP'S has escalated in recent years and reproductive success is not always easily accomplished. Increases in applied and fundamental research on the natural history and reproductive biology of these species, followed by the appropriate development and application of artificial reproductive technologies (ART's) and the incorporation of genome resource banks (GRB's), may turn CBP's into a more powerful tool for amphibian conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Della Togna
- Universidad Interamericana de Panama, Dirección de Investigación, Campus Central, Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro, Panama; Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project, Panama.
| | - Lachlan G Howell
- University of Newcastle, Conservation Biology Research Group, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - John Clulow
- University of Newcastle, Conservation Biology Research Group, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | | | - Ruth Marcec-Greaves
- National Amphibian Conservation Center, Detroit Zoological Society, Royal Oak, MI, 48067, USA
| | - Natalie E Calatayud
- San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, USA; Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, NSW, 2830, Australia
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88
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Leys SP, Mah JL, McGill PR, Hamonic L, De Leo FC, Kahn AS. Sponge Behavior and the Chemical Basis of Responses: A Post-Genomic View. Integr Comp Biol 2020; 59:751-764. [PMID: 31268144 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icz122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sponges perceive and respond to a range of stimuli. How they do this is still difficult to pin down despite now having transcriptomes and genomes of an array of species. Here we evaluate the current understanding of sponge behavior and present new observations on sponge activity in situ. We also explore biosynthesis pathways available to sponges from data in genomes/transcriptomes of sponges and other non-bilaterians with a focus on exploring the role of chemical signaling pathways mediating sponge behavior and how such chemical signal pathways may have evolved. Sponge larvae respond to light but opsins are not used, nor is there a common photoreceptor molecule or mechanism used across sponge groups. Other cues are gravity and chemicals. In situ recordings of behavior show that both shallow and deep-water sponges move a lot over minutes and hours, and correlation of behavior with temperature, pressure, oxygen, and water movement suggests that at least one sponge responds to changes in atmospheric pressure. The sensors for these cues as far as we know are individual cells and, except in the case of electrical signaling in Hexactinellida, these most likely act as independent effectors, generating a whole-body reaction by the global reach of the stimulus to all parts of the animal. We found no evidence for use of conventional neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. Intriguingly, some chemicals synthesized by symbiont microbes could mean other more complex signaling occurs, but how that interplay might happen is not understood. Our review suggests chemical signaling pathways found in sponges do not reflect loss of a more complex set.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally P Leys
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E9
| | - Jasmine L Mah
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E9.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, 165 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Paul R McGill
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, 7700 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA
| | - Laura Hamonic
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E9
| | - Fabio C De Leo
- Ocean Networks Canada, University of Victoria, Queenswood Campus 100-2474 Arbutus Road, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8N 1V8.,Department of Biology, University of Victoria, PO Box 3080, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W 2Y2
| | - Amanda S Kahn
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E9.,Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, 7700 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA.,Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, 8272 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA
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89
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Bosch TCG. The model zoologist: how should we think about animals, model animals, and non-model model animals? ZOOLOGY 2020; 138:125749. [PMID: 32014655 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2020.125749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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90
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Hagen KD, McInally SG, Hilton ND, Dawson SC. Microtubule organelles in Giardia. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 107:25-96. [PMID: 32122531 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Giardia lamblia is a widespread parasitic protist with a complex MT cytoskeleton that is critical for motility, attachment, mitosis and cell division, and transitions between its two life cycle stages-the infectious cyst and flagellated trophozoite. Giardia trophozoites have both highly dynamic and highly stable MT organelles, including the ventral disc, eight flagella, the median body and the funis. The ventral disc, an elaborate MT organelle, is essential for the parasite's attachment to the intestinal villi to avoid peristalsis. Giardia's four flagellar pairs enable swimming motility and may also promote attachment. They are maintained at different equilibrium lengths and are distinguished by their long cytoplasmic regions and novel extra-axonemal structures. The functions of the median body and funis, MT organelles unique to Giardia, remain less understood. In addition to conserved MT-associated proteins, the genome is enriched in ankyrins, NEKs, and novel hypothetical proteins that also associate with the MT cytoskeleton. High-resolution ultrastructural imaging and a current inventory of more than 300 proteins associated with Giardia's MT cytoskeleton lay the groundwork for future mechanistic analyses of parasite attachment to the host, motility, cell division, and encystation/excystation. Giardia's unique MT organelles exemplify the capacity of MT polymers to generate intricate structures that are diverse in both form and function. Thus, beyond its relevance to pathogenesis, the study of Giardia's MT cytoskeleton informs basic cytoskeletal biology and cellular evolution. With the availability of new molecular genetic tools to disrupt gene function, we anticipate a new era of cytoskeletal discovery in Giardia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari D Hagen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, UC Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Shane G McInally
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, UC Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Nicholas D Hilton
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, UC Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Scott C Dawson
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, UC Davis, Davis, CA, United States.
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91
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Makarova M, Peter M, Balogh G, Glatz A, MacRae JI, Lopez Mora N, Booth P, Makeyev E, Vigh L, Oliferenko S. Delineating the Rules for Structural Adaptation of Membrane-Associated Proteins to Evolutionary Changes in Membrane Lipidome. Curr Biol 2020; 30:367-380.e8. [PMID: 31956022 PMCID: PMC6997885 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Membrane function is fundamental to life. Each species explores membrane lipid diversity within a genetically predefined range of possibilities. How membrane lipid composition in turn defines the functional space available for evolution of membrane-centered processes remains largely unknown. We address this fundamental question using related fission yeasts Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Schizosaccharomyces japonicus. We show that, unlike S. pombe that generates membranes where both glycerophospholipid acyl tails are predominantly 16-18 carbons long, S. japonicus synthesizes unusual "asymmetrical" glycerophospholipids where the tails differ in length by 6-8 carbons. This results in stiffer bilayers with distinct lipid packing properties. Retroengineered S. pombe synthesizing the S.-japonicus-type phospholipids exhibits unfolded protein response and downregulates secretion. Importantly, our protein sequence comparisons and domain swap experiments support the hypothesis that transmembrane helices co-evolve with membranes, suggesting that, on the evolutionary scale, changes in membrane lipid composition may necessitate extensive adaptation of the membrane-associated proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Makarova
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Maria Peter
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged 6726, Hungary
| | - Gabor Balogh
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged 6726, Hungary
| | - Attila Glatz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged 6726, Hungary
| | - James I MacRae
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Nestor Lopez Mora
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, Britannia House, London SE1 1DB, UK
| | - Paula Booth
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, Britannia House, London SE1 1DB, UK
| | - Eugene Makeyev
- MRC Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Laszlo Vigh
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged 6726, Hungary
| | - Snezhana Oliferenko
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK.
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92
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Abstract
A new study compares two sister species of fission yeast that use very different fatty acids to make membrane lipids and reveals an adaptation in transmembrane helix lengths that maintains membrane protein functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Harayama
- Department of Biochemistry and National Centre of Competence in Research in Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, Quai Ernest-Ansermet 30, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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93
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Ford NR, Xiong Y, Hecht KA, Squier TC, Rorrer GL, Roesijadi G. Optimizing the Design of Diatom Biosilica-Targeted Fusion Proteins in Biosensor Construction for Bacillus anthracis Detection. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9010014. [PMID: 31936120 PMCID: PMC7168173 DOI: 10.3390/biology9010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In vivo functionalization of diatom biosilica frustules by genetic manipulation requires careful consideration of the overall structure and function of complex fusion proteins. Although we previously had transformed Thalassiosira pseudonana with constructs containing a single domain antibody (sdAb) raised against the Bacillus anthracis Sterne strain, which detected an epitope of the surface layer protein EA1 accessible in lysed spores, we initially were unsuccessful with constructs encoding a similar sdAb that detected an epitope of EA1 accessible in intact spores and vegetative cells. This discrepancy limited the usefulness of the system as an environmental biosensor for B. anthracis. We surmised that to create functional biosilica-localized biosensors with certain constructs, the biosilica targeting and protein trafficking functions of the biosilica-targeting peptide Sil3T8 had to be uncoupled. We found that retaining the ER trafficking sequence at the N-terminus and relocating the Sil3T8 targeting peptide to the C-terminus of the fusion protein resulted in successful detection of EA1 with both sdAbs. Homology modeling of antigen binding by the two sdAbs supported the hypothesis that the rescue of antigen binding in the previously dysfunctional sdAb was due to removal of steric hindrances between the antigen binding loops and the diatom biosilica for that particular sdAb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole R. Ford
- Marine Biotechnology Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Sequim, WA 98382, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Yijia Xiong
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR 97355, USA
| | - Karen A. Hecht
- Marine Biotechnology Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Sequim, WA 98382, USA
| | - Thomas C. Squier
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR 97355, USA
| | - Gregory L. Rorrer
- School of Chemical Biological and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Guritno Roesijadi
- Marine Biotechnology Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Sequim, WA 98382, USA
- School of Chemical Biological and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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94
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Kokko H. When Synchrony Makes the Best of Both Worlds Even Better: How Well Do We Really Understand Facultative Sex? Am Nat 2019; 195:380-392. [PMID: 32017623 DOI: 10.1086/706812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Biological diversity abounds in potential study topics. Studies of model systems have their advantages, but reliance on a few well-understood cases may create false impressions of what biological phenomena are the norm. Here I focus on facultative sex, which is often hailed as offering the best of both worlds, in that rare sex offers benefits almost equal to obligate sex and avoids paying most of the demographic costs. How well do we understand when and why this form of sexual reproduction is expected to prevail? I show several gaps in the theoretical literature and, by contrasting asynchronous with synchronous sex, highlight the need to link sex theories to the theoretical underpinnings of bet hedging, on the one hand, and to mate limitation considerations, on the other. Condition-dependent sex and links between sex with dispersal or dormancy appear understudied. While simplifications are justifiable as a simple assumption structure enhances analytical tractability, much remains to be done to incorporate key features of real sex to the main theoretical edifice.
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95
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Milani L, Ghiselli F. Faraway, so close. The comparative method and the potential of non-model animals in mitochondrial research. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 375:20190186. [PMID: 31787048 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inference from model organisms has been the engine for many discoveries in life science, but indiscriminate generalization leads to oversimplifications and misconceptions. Model organisms and inductive reasoning are irreplaceable: there is no other way to tackle the complexity of living systems. At the same time, it is not advisable to infer general patterns from a restricted number of species, which are very far from being representative of the diversity of life. Not all models are equal. Some organisms are suitable to find similarities across species, other highly specialized organisms can be used to focus on differences. In this opinion piece, we discuss the dominance of the mechanistic/reductionist approach in life sciences and make a case for an enhanced application of the comparative approach to study processes in all their various forms across different organisms. We also enlist some rising animal models in mitochondrial research, to exemplify how non-model organisms can be chosen in a comparative framework. These taxa often do not possess implemented tools and dedicated methods/resources. However, because of specific features, they have the potential to address still unanswered biological questions. Finally, we discuss future perspectives and caveats of the comparative method in the age of 'big data'. This article is part of the theme issue 'Linking the mitochondrial genotype to phenotype: a complex endeavour'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Milani
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Ghiselli
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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96
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Ellis GA, Tschirhart T, Spangler J, Walper SA, Medintz IL, Vora GJ. Exploiting the Feedstock Flexibility of the Emergent Synthetic Biology Chassis Vibrio natriegens for Engineered Natural Product Production. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:E679. [PMID: 31801279 PMCID: PMC6950413 DOI: 10.3390/md17120679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A recent goal of synthetic biology has been to identify new chassis that provide benefits lacking in model organisms. Vibrio natriegens is a marine Gram-negative bacterium which is an emergent synthetic biology chassis with inherent benefits: An extremely fast growth rate, genetic tractability, and the ability to grow on a variety of carbon sources ("feedstock flexibility"). Given these inherent benefits, we sought to determine its potential to heterologously produce natural products, and chose beta-carotene and violacein as test cases. For beta-carotene production, we expressed the beta-carotene biosynthetic pathway from the sister marine bacterium Vibrio campbellii, as well as the mevalonate biosynthetic pathway from the Gram-positive bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus to improve precursor abundance. Violacein was produced by expressing a biosynthetic gene cluster derived from Chromobacterium violaceum. Not only was V. natriegens able to heterologously produce these compounds in rich media, illustrating its promise as a new chassis for small molecule drug production, but it also did so in minimal media using a variety of feedstocks. The ability for V. natriegens to produce natural products with multiple industrially-relevant feedstocks argues for continued investigations into the production of more complex natural products in this chassis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A. Ellis
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA; (G.A.E.); (S.A.W.); (I.L.M.)
| | - Tanya Tschirhart
- American Society for Engineering Education, Postdoctoral Research Associate, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA
| | - Joseph Spangler
- National Academy of Sciences, National Research Council, Postdoctoral Research Associate, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA;
| | - Scott A. Walper
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA; (G.A.E.); (S.A.W.); (I.L.M.)
| | - Igor L. Medintz
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA; (G.A.E.); (S.A.W.); (I.L.M.)
| | - Gary J. Vora
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA; (G.A.E.); (S.A.W.); (I.L.M.)
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97
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Kim IV, Ross EJ, Dietrich S, Döring K, Sánchez Alvarado A, Kuhn CD. Efficient depletion of ribosomal RNA for RNA sequencing in planarians. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:909. [PMID: 31783730 PMCID: PMC6884822 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6292-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The astounding regenerative abilities of planarian flatworms prompt steadily growing interest in examining their molecular foundation. Planarian regeneration was found to require hundreds of genes and is hence a complex process. Thus, RNA interference followed by transcriptome-wide gene expression analysis by RNA-seq is a popular technique to study the impact of any particular planarian gene on regeneration. Typically, the removal of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is the first step of all RNA-seq library preparation protocols. To date, rRNA removal in planarians was primarily achieved by the enrichment of polyadenylated (poly(A)) transcripts. However, to better reflect transcriptome dynamics and to cover also non-poly(A) transcripts, a procedure for the targeted removal of rRNA in planarians is needed. RESULTS In this study, we describe a workflow for the efficient depletion of rRNA in the planarian model species S. mediterranea. Our protocol is based on subtractive hybridization using organism-specific probes. Importantly, the designed probes also deplete rRNA of other freshwater triclad families, a fact that considerably broadens the applicability of our protocol. We tested our approach on total RNA isolated from stem cells (termed neoblasts) of S. mediterranea and compared ribodepleted libraries with publicly available poly(A)-enriched ones. Overall, mRNA levels after ribodepletion were consistent with poly(A) libraries. However, ribodepleted libraries revealed higher transcript levels for transposable elements and histone mRNAs that remained underrepresented in poly(A) libraries. As neoblasts experience high transposon activity this suggests that ribodepleted libraries better reflect the transcriptional dynamics of planarian stem cells. Furthermore, the presented ribodepletion procedure was successfully expanded to the removal of ribosomal RNA from the gram-negative bacterium Salmonella typhimurium. CONCLUSIONS The ribodepletion protocol presented here ensures the efficient rRNA removal from low input total planarian RNA, which can be further processed for RNA-seq applications. Resulting libraries contain less than 2% rRNA. Moreover, for a cost-effective and efficient removal of rRNA prior to sequencing applications our procedure might be adapted to any prokaryotic or eukaryotic species of choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iana V Kim
- Gene regulation by Non-coding RNA, Elite Network of Bavaria and University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Eric J Ross
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Sascha Dietrich
- Core Unit Systems Medicine, Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Döring
- Core Unit Systems Medicine, Institute for Molecular Infection Biology, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 East 50th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Claus-D Kuhn
- Gene regulation by Non-coding RNA, Elite Network of Bavaria and University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany.
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98
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Ruiz E, Talenton V, Dubrana MP, Guesdon G, Lluch-Senar M, Salin F, Sirand-Pugnet P, Arfi Y, Lartigue C. CReasPy-Cloning: A Method for Simultaneous Cloning and Engineering of Megabase-Sized Genomes in Yeast Using the CRISPR-Cas9 System. ACS Synth Biol 2019; 8:2547-2557. [PMID: 31663334 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.9b00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, a new strategy was developed to bypass the difficulties to genetically engineer some microbial species by transferring (or "cloning") their genome into another organism that is amenable to efficient genetic modifications and therefore acts as a living workbench. As such, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been used to clone and engineer genomes from viruses, bacteria, and algae. The cloning step requires the insertion of yeast genetic elements in the genome of interest, in order to drive its replication and maintenance as an artificial chromosome in the host cell. Current methods used to introduce these genetic elements are still unsatisfactory, due either to their random nature (transposon) or the requirement for unique restriction sites at specific positions (TAR cloning). Here we describe the CReasPy-cloning, a new method that combines both the ability of Cas9 to cleave DNA at a user-specified locus and the yeast's highly efficient homologous recombination to simultaneously clone and engineer a bacterial chromosome in yeast. Using the 0.816 Mbp genome of Mycoplasma pneumoniae as a proof of concept, we demonstrate that our method can be used to introduce the yeast genetic element at any location in the bacterial chromosome while simultaneously deleting various genes or group of genes. We also show that CReasPy-cloning can be used to edit up to three independent genomic loci at the same time with an efficiency high enough to warrant the screening of a small (<50) number of clones, allowing for significantly shortened genome engineering cycle times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Ruiz
- INRA , UMR 1332 de Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie , F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon , France
- Univ. Bordeaux , UMR 1332 de Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie , F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon , France
| | - Vincent Talenton
- INRA , UMR 1332 de Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie , F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon , France
- Univ. Bordeaux , UMR 1332 de Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie , F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon , France
| | - Marie-Pierre Dubrana
- INRA , UMR 1332 de Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie , F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon , France
- Univ. Bordeaux , UMR 1332 de Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie , F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon , France
| | - Gabrielle Guesdon
- INRA , UMR 1332 de Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie , F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon , France
- Univ. Bordeaux , UMR 1332 de Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie , F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon , France
| | - Maria Lluch-Senar
- EMBL/CRG Systems Biology Research Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) , The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology , Dr Aiguader 88 , Barcelona 08003 , Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) , 08003 Barcelona , Spain
| | - Franck Salin
- BIOGECO, INRA , Univ. Bordeaux , 33610 Cestas , France
| | - Pascal Sirand-Pugnet
- INRA , UMR 1332 de Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie , F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon , France
- Univ. Bordeaux , UMR 1332 de Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie , F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon , France
| | - Yonathan Arfi
- INRA , UMR 1332 de Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie , F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon , France
- Univ. Bordeaux , UMR 1332 de Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie , F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon , France
| | - Carole Lartigue
- INRA , UMR 1332 de Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie , F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon , France
- Univ. Bordeaux , UMR 1332 de Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie , F-33140 Villenave d'Ornon , France
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99
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Ou J, Rosa S, Berchowitz LE, Li W. Induced pluripotent stem cells as a tool for comparative physiology: lessons from the thirteen-lined ground squirrel. J Exp Biol 2019; 222:jeb196493. [PMID: 31585999 PMCID: PMC6806009 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.196493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Comparative physiologists are often interested in adaptive physiological phenomena found in unconventional model organisms; however, research on these species is frequently constrained by the limited availability of investigative tools. Here, we propose that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from unconventional model organisms may retain certain species-specific features that can consequently be investigated in depth in vitro; we use hibernating mammals as an example. Many species (including ground squirrels, bats and bears) can enter a prolonged state of physiological dormancy known as hibernation to survive unfavorable seasonal conditions. Our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the rapid transition and adaptation to a hypothermic, metabolically suppressed winter torpor state remains limited partially because of the lack of an easily accessible model. To address the fascinating unanswered questions underlying hibernation biology, we have developed a powerful model system: iPSCs from a hibernating species, the thirteen-lined ground squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus). These stem cells can potentially be differentiated into any cell type, and can be used for the analysis of cell-autonomous mechanisms that facilitate adaptation to hibernation and for comparisons with non-hibernators. Furthermore, we can manipulate candidate molecular and cellular pathways underlying relevant physiological phenomena by pharmacological or RNAi-based methods, and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Moreover, iPSC strategies can be applied to other species (e.g. seals, naked mole rats, humming birds) for in vitro studies on adaptation to extreme physiological conditions. In this Commentary, we discuss factors to consider when attempting to generate iPSCs from unconventional model organisms, based on our experience with the thirteen-lined ground squirrel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxing Ou
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sarah Rosa
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's and the Aging Brain, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Luke E Berchowitz
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's and the Aging Brain, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Retinal Neurophysiology Section, National Eye Institute, US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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100
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Tschirhart T, Shukla V, Kelly EE, Schultzhaus Z, NewRingeisen E, Erickson JS, Wang Z, Garcia W, Curl E, Egbert RG, Yeung E, Vora GJ. Synthetic Biology Tools for the Fast-Growing Marine Bacterium Vibrio natriegens. ACS Synth Biol 2019; 8:2069-2079. [PMID: 31419124 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.9b00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The fast-growing nonmodel marine bacterium Vibrio natriegens has recently garnered attention as a host for molecular biology and biotechnology applications. In order to further its capabilities as a synthetic biology chassis, we have characterized a wide range of genetic parts and tools for use in V. natriegens. These parts include many commonly used resistance markers, promoters, ribosomal binding sites, reporters, terminators, degradation tags, origin of replication sequences, and plasmid backbones. We have characterized the behavior of these parts in different combinations and have compared their functionality in V. natriegens and Escherichia coli. Plasmid stability over time, plasmid copy numbers, and production load on the cells were also evaluated. Additionally, we tested constructs for chemical and optogenetic induction and characterized basic engineered circuit behavior in V. natriegens. The results indicate that, while most parts and constructs work similarly in the two organisms, some deviate significantly. Overall, these results will serve as a primer for anyone interested in engineering V. natriegens and will aid in developing more robust synthetic biology principles and approaches for this nonmodel chassis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Tschirhart
- American Society for Engineering Education, Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, United States of America
| | - Vrinda Shukla
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, United States of America
| | - Erin E. Kelly
- National Research Council, Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, United States of America
| | - Zachary Schultzhaus
- National Research Council, Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, United States of America
| | - Erin NewRingeisen
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey S. Erickson
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, United States of America
| | - Zheng Wang
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, United States of America
| | - Whitney Garcia
- Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States of America
| | - Emaleigh Curl
- Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States of America
| | - Robert G. Egbert
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, United States of America
| | - Enoch Yeung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States of America
| | - Gary J. Vora
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, United States of America
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