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Bacon SJ, Zhu Y, Ghosh P. Early spiral arteriole remodeling in the uterine-placental interface: A rat model. J Anat 2024; 244:1054-1066. [PMID: 38288680 PMCID: PMC11095304 DOI: 10.1111/joa.14019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The mammalian placenta's interface with the parent is a richly vascularized tissue whose development relies upon communication between many different cell types within the uterine microenvironment. The uterine blood vessels of the interface are reshaped during pregnancy into wide-bore, flaccid vessels that convey parental blood to the exchange region of the placenta. Invasive trophoblast as well as parental uterine macrophages and Natural Killer cells are involved in the stepwise remodeling of these vessels and their respective contributions to this crucial process are still being delineated. However, the earliest steps in arteriole remodeling are understudied as they are difficult to study in humans, and other species lack the deep trophoblast invasion that is so prominent a feature of placentation in humans. Here, we further characterize the rat, with deep hemochorial placentation akin to humans, as a model system in which to tease apart the earliest, relatively understudied events in spiral arteriole remodeling. We show that the rat uterine-placental interface increases in size and vascularity rapidly, before trophoblast invasion. The remodeling stages in the arterioles of the rat uterine-placental interface follow a sequence of anatomical changes similar to those in humans, and there are changes to the arterioles' muscular tunica media prior to the marked influx of immune cells. The rat is a tractable model in which to better understand the cell/cell interactions occurring in vivo in an intact tissue microenvironment over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Bacon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yuxi Zhu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Priyanjali Ghosh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts, USA
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2
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de Ganzo Suárez T, de Paco Matallana C, Plasencia W. Spiral, uterine artery doppler and placental ultrasound in relation to preeclampsia. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2024; 92:102426. [PMID: 38039843 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a multiorgan disorder that complicates around 2-8% of pregnancies and is a major cause of perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. PE is a clinical syndrome characterized by hypertension secondary to systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and syncytiotrophoblast stress leading to hypertension and multiorgan dysfunction. The uterine arteries are the main blood vessels that supply blood to the uterus. They give off branches and plays an important role in maintaining blood supply during pregnancy. The arcuate artery originates from the uterine artery and runs medially through the myometrium. The arcuate arteries divide almost directly into anterior and posterior branches, from which the radial artery leads directly to the uterine cavity during their course. Near the endometrium-myometrium junction, the radial artery generates spiral arteries within the basal layer and functional endometrium. The walls of radial and spiral arteries are rich in smooth muscle, which is lost when trophoblast cells invade and become large-caliber vessels. This physiological transformation of uteroplacental spiral arteries is critical for successful placental implantation and normal placental function. In normal pregnancy, the luminal diameter of the spiral arteries is greatly increased, and the vascular smooth muscle is replaced by trophoblast cells. This process and changes in the spiral arteries are called spiral artery remodeling. In PE, this genetically and immunologically governed process is deficient and therefore there is decreased vascular capacitance and increased resistance in the uteroplacental circulation. Furthermore, this defect in uteroplacental spiral artery remodeling is not only associated with early onset PE, but also with fetal growth restriction, placental abruption, and spontaneous premature rupture of membranes. Doppler ultrasound allows non-invasive assessment of placentation, while the flow impedance decreases as the pregnancy progresses in normal pregnancies, in those destined to develop preeclampsia the impedance is increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania de Ganzo Suárez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Catalina de Paco Matallana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain; Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Walter Plasencia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife. Canary Islands, Spain.
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3
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Kircher BK, Stanley EL, Behringer RR. Anatomy of the female reproductive tract organs of the brown anole (Anolis sagrei). Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2024; 307:395-413. [PMID: 37506227 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Female reproduction in squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes) is highly diverse and mode of reproduction, clutch size, and reproductive tract morphology all vary widely across this group of ~11,000 species. Recently, CRISPR genome editing techniques that require manipulation of the female reproductive anatomy have been developed in this group, making a more complete understanding of this anatomy essential. We describe the adult female reproductive anatomy of the model reptile the brown anole (Anolis sagrei). We show that the brown anole female reproductive tract has three distinct anterior-to-posterior regions, the infundibulum, the glandular uterus, and the nonglandular uterus. The infundibulum has a highly ciliated epithelial lip, a region where the epithelium is inverted so that cilia are present on the inside and outside of the tube. The glandular uterus has epithelial ducts that are patent with a lumen as well as acinar structures with a lumen. The nonglandular uterus has a heterogeneous morphology from anterior to posterior, with a highly folded, ciliated epithelium transitioning to a stratified squamous epithelium. This transition is accompanied by a loss of keratin-8 expression and together, these changes are similar to the morphological and gene expression changes that occur in the mammalian cervix. We recommend that description of the nonglandular uterus include the regional sub-specification of a "cervix" and "vagina" as this terminology change more accurately describes the morphology. Our data extend histological studies of reproductive organ morphology in reptiles and expand our understanding of the variation in reproductive system anatomy across squamates and vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie K Kircher
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Edward L Stanley
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Richard R Behringer
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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4
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Wen J, Ishihara T, Renfree MB, Griffith OW. Comparing the potential for maternal-fetal signalling in oviparous and viviparous lizards. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210262. [PMID: 36252210 PMCID: PMC9574625 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of a placenta requires several steps including changing the timing of reproductive events, facilitating nutrient exchange, and the capacity for maternal-fetal communication. To understand the evolution of maternal-fetal communication, we used ligand-receptor gene expression as a proxy for the potential for cross-talk in a live-bearing lizard (Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii) and homologous tissues in a related egg-laying lizard (Lampropholis guichenoti). Approximately 70% of expressed ligand/receptor genes were shared by both species. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that there was no GO-enrichment in the fetal membranes of the egg-laying species, but live-bearing fetal tissues were significantly enriched for 50 GO-terms. Differences in enrichment suggest that the evolution of viviparity involved reinforcing specific signalling pathways, perhaps to support fetal control of placentation. One identified change was in transforming growth factor beta signalling. Using immunohistochemistry, we show the production of the signalling molecule inhibin beta B (INHBB) occurs in viviparous fetal membranes but was absent in closely related egg-laying tissues, suggesting that the evolution of viviparity may have involved changes to signalling via this pathway. We argue that maternal-fetal signalling evolved through co-opting expressed signalling molecules and recruiting new signalling molecules to support the complex developmental changes required to support a fetus in utero. This article is part of the theme issue 'Extraembryonic tissues: exploring concepts, definitions and functions across the animal kingdom'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglin Wen
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Teruhito Ishihara
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Marilyn B. Renfree
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Oliver W. Griffith
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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5
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Foster CSP, Van Dyke JU, Thompson MB, Smith NMA, Simpfendorfer CA, Murphy CR, Whittington CM. Different genes are recruited during convergent evolution of pregnancy and the placenta. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:6564414. [PMID: 35388432 PMCID: PMC9048886 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The repeated evolution of the same traits in distantly related groups (convergent evolution) raises a key question in evolutionary biology: do the same genes underpin convergent phenotypes? Here we explore one such trait, viviparity (live birth), which qualitative studies suggest may indeed have evolved via genetic convergence. There are >150 independent origins of live birth in vertebrates, providing a uniquely powerful system to test the mechanisms underpinning convergence in morphology, physiology, and/or gene recruitment during pregnancy. We compared transcriptomic data from eight vertebrates (lizards, mammals, sharks) that gestate embryos within the uterus. Since many previous studies detected qualitative similarities in gene use during independent origins of pregnancy, we expected to find significant overlap in gene use in viviparous taxa. However, we found no more overlap in uterine gene expression associated with viviparity than we would expect by chance alone. Each viviparous lineage exhibits the same core set of uterine physiological functions, yet, contrary to prevailing assumptions about this trait, we find that none of the same genes are differentially expressed in all viviparous lineages, or even in all viviparous amniote lineages. Therefore, across distantly related vertebrates, different genes have been recruited to support the morphological and physiological changes required for successful pregnancy. We conclude that redundancies in gene function have enabled the repeated evolution of viviparity through recruitment of different genes from genomic 'toolboxes', which are uniquely constrained by the ancestries of each lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles S P Foster
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James U Van Dyke
- School of Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Albury-Wodonga campus, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael B Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas M A Smith
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Colin A Simpfendorfer
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christopher R Murphy
- School of Medical Sciences and The Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Camilla M Whittington
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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6
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Whittington CM, Van Dyke JU, Liang SQT, Edwards SV, Shine R, Thompson MB, Grueber CE. Understanding the evolution of viviparity using intraspecific variation in reproductive mode and transitional forms of pregnancy. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:1179-1192. [PMID: 35098647 PMCID: PMC9064913 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
How innovations such as vision, flight and pregnancy evolve is a central question in evolutionary biology. Examination of transitional (intermediate) forms of these traits can help address this question, but these intermediate phenotypes are very rare in extant species. Here we explore the biology and evolution of transitional forms of pregnancy that are midway between the ancestral state of oviparity (egg‐laying) and the derived state, viviparity (live birth). Transitional forms of pregnancy occur in only three vertebrates, all of which are lizard species that also display intraspecific variation in reproductive phenotype. In these lizards (Lerista bougainvillii, Saiphos equalis, and Zootoca vivipara), geographic variation of three reproductive forms occurs within a single species: oviparity, viviparity, and a transitional form of pregnancy. This phenomenon offers the valuable prospect of watching ‘evolution in action’. In these species, it is possible to conduct comparative research using different reproductive forms that are not confounded by speciation, and are of relatively recent origin. We identify major proximate and ultimate questions that can be addressed in these species, and the genetic and genomic tools that can help us understand how transitional forms of pregnancy are produced, despite predicted fitness costs. We argue that these taxa represent an excellent prospect for understanding the major evolutionary shift between egg‐laying and live birth, which is a fundamental innovation in the history of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla M. Whittington
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Heydon‐Laurence Building A08 Sydney NSW 2006
| | - James U. Van Dyke
- Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, School of Molecular Sciences La Trobe University Building 4 Wodonga VIC 3689 Australia
| | - Stephanie Q. T. Liang
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Heydon‐Laurence Building A08 Sydney NSW 2006
| | - Scott V. Edwards
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Harvard University, and Museum of Comparative Zoology Cambridge MA 02138 U.S.A
| | - Richard Shine
- Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University North Ryde NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Michael B. Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Heydon‐Laurence Building A08 Sydney NSW 2006
| | - Catherine E. Grueber
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Heydon‐Laurence Building A08 Sydney NSW 2006
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7
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Dudley JS, Hannaford P, Dowland SN, Lindsay LA, Thompson MB, Murphy CR, Van Dyke JU, Whittington CM. Structural changes to the brood pouch of male pregnant seahorses (Hippocampus abdominalis) facilitate exchange between father and embryos. Placenta 2021; 114:115-123. [PMID: 34517263 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Embryonic growth and development require efficient respiratory gas exchange. Internal incubation of developing young thus presents a significant physiological challenge, because respiratory gas diffusion to embryos is impeded by the additional barrier of parental tissue between the embryo and the environment. Therefore, live-bearing species exhibit a variety of adaptations facilitating respiratory gas exchange between the parent (usually the mother) and embryos. Syngnathid fishes are the only vertebrates to exhibit male pregnancy, allowing comparative studies of the biology and evolution of internal incubation of embryos, independent of the female reproductive tract. Here, we examine the fleshy, sealed, seahorse brood pouch, and provide the first quantification of structural changes to this gestational organ across pregnancy. METHODS We used histological analysis and morphometrics to quantify the surface area for exchange across the brood pouch epithelium, and the structure of the vascular bed of the brood pouch. RESULTS We show dramatic remodelling of gestational tissues as pregnancy progresses, including an increase in tortuosity of the gestational epithelium, an increase in capillary density, and a decrease in diffusion distance between capillaries and the pouch lumen. DISCUSSION These changes produce an increased surface area and expansion of the vascular bed of the placenta that likely facilitates respiratory gas exchange. These changes mirror the remodelling of gestational tissue in viviparous amniotes and elasmobranchs, and provide further evidence of the convergence of adaptations to support pregnancy in live-bearing animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Dudley
- The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Macquarie University, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
| | - P Hannaford
- The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - S N Dowland
- The University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences (Anatomy and Histology), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - L A Lindsay
- The University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences (Anatomy and Histology), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M B Thompson
- The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C R Murphy
- The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia; The University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences (Anatomy and Histology), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - J U Van Dyke
- La Trobe University, Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, School of Molecular Sciences, Wodonga, Victoria, Australia
| | - C M Whittington
- The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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8
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Watson CM, Cox CL. Elevation, oxygen, and the origins of viviparity. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2021; 336:457-469. [PMID: 34254734 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Research focused on understanding the evolutionary factors that shape parity mode evolution among vertebrates have long focused on squamate reptiles (snakes and lizards), which contain all but one of the evolutionary transitions from oviparity to viviparity among extant amniotes. While most hypotheses have focused on the role of cool temperatures in favoring viviparity in thermoregulating snakes and lizards, there is a growing appreciation in the biogeographic literature for the importance of lower oxygen concentrations at high elevations for the evolution of parity mode. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying how hypoxia might reduce fitness, and how viviparity can alleviate this fitness decrement, has not been systematically evaluated. We qualitatively evaluated previous research on reproductive and developmental physiology, and found that (1) hypoxia can negatively affect fitness of squamate embryos, (2) oxygen availability in the circulatory system of adult lizards can be similar or greater than an egg, and (3) gravid females can possess adaptive phenotypic plasticity in response to hypoxia. These findings suggest that the impact of hypoxia on the development and physiology of oviparous and viviparous squamates would be a fruitful area of research for understanding the evolution of viviparity. To that end, we propose an integrative research program for studying hypoxia and the evolution of viviparity in squamates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles M Watson
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Christian L Cox
- Department of Biological Sciences and Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
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9
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Andrews RM. Adaptive variation in the development of extraembryonic membranes of gekkotan embryos: A meta-analytical approach. J Morphol 2021; 282:1054-1065. [PMID: 33683713 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Highly mineralized rigid-shelled eggs characterize one lineage of gekkotans. In contrast, poorly mineralized flexible-shelled eggs characterize basal lineages of gekkotans and all other squamates. Low oxygen permeability of rigid-shelled eggs is associated with small eggs and hatchlings, and long incubation lengths compared to flexible-shelled gekkotan eggs. These features represent a demographic cost for species with rigid-shelled eggs. This cost is offset, at least in part, because mortality due to desiccation and predation is reduced for rigid-shelled eggs relative to flexible-shelled eggs. Developmental traits may also compensate for the low oxygen permeability of rigid-shelled eggs. Oviposition, for example, occurs at earlier developmental stages for gekkotans with rigid- versus flexible-shelled eggs. Such early oviposition facilitates development because eggs move from the relatively hypoxic oviduct to the much better oxygenated nest environment. In this study, I tested the hypothesis that the growth of the yolk sac (YS) and chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of gekkotans with rigid-shelled eggs is initiated and completed earlier than those of gekkotans with flexible-shelled eggs. I measured the surface area of eggs covered by the YS and CAM from oviposition to hatching and determined which of four nonlinear models provide the best fit for growth curves. I also compiled a data set on embryonic metabolism of gekkotans and other lizards in order to place growth of the YS and CAM in the context of energy utilization of lizard embryos overall. Growth of the YS and CAM of gekkotans with rigid-shelled eggs is accelerated relative to that of gekkotans with flexible-shelled eggs and may serve to separate the cost of YS and CAM development from that of the embryo itself. Adaptive variation in YS and CAM development may extend to birds, crocodilians, and turtles as they also exhibit life history variation that affects oxygen availability to embryos during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin M Andrews
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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10
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Whittington CM, Friesen CR. The evolution and physiology of male pregnancy in syngnathid fishes. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:1252-1272. [PMID: 32372478 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The seahorses, pipefishes and seadragons (Syngnathidae) are among the few vertebrates in which pregnant males incubate developing embryos. Syngnathids are popular in studies of sexual selection, sex-role reversal, and reproductive trade-offs, and are now emerging as valuable comparative models for the study of the biology and evolution of reproductive complexity. These fish offer the opportunity to examine the physiology, behavioural implications, and evolutionary origins of embryo incubation, independent of the female reproductive tract and female hormonal milieu. Such studies allow us to examine flexibility in regulatory systems, by determining whether the pathways underpinning female pregnancy are also co-opted in incubating males, or whether novel pathways have evolved in response to the common challenges imposed by incubating developing embryos and releasing live young. The Syngnathidae are also ideal for studies of the evolution of reproductive complexity, because they exhibit multiple parallel origins of complex reproductive phenotypes. Here we assay the taxonomic distribution of syngnathid parity mode, examine the selective pressures that may have led to the emergence of male pregnancy, describe the biology of syngnathid reproduction, and highlight pressing areas for future research. Experimental tests of a range of hypotheses, including many generated with genomic tools, are required to inform overarching theories about the fitness implications of pregnancy and the evolution of male pregnancy. Such information will be widely applicable to our understanding of fundamental reproductive and evolutionary processes in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla M Whittington
- The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Christopher R Friesen
- The University of Wollongong, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, Wollongong, New South Wales, 2522, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, 2522, Australia
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11
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Foster CSP, Thompson MB, Van Dyke JU, Brandley MC, Whittington CM. Emergence of an evolutionary innovation: Gene expression differences associated with the transition between oviparity and viviparity. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:1315-1327. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.15409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charles S. P. Foster
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Michael B. Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - James U. Van Dyke
- School of Molecular Sciences La Trobe University Wodonga VIC Australia
| | - Matthew C. Brandley
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
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12
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Van Dyke JU, Thompson MB, Burridge CP, Castelli MA, Clulow S, Dissanayake DSB, Dong CM, Doody JS, Edwards DL, Ezaz T, Friesen CR, Gardner MG, Georges A, Higgie M, Hill PL, Holleley CE, Hoops D, Hoskin CJ, Merry DL, Riley JL, Wapstra E, While GM, Whiteley SL, Whiting MJ, Zozaya SM, Whittington CM. Australian lizards are outstanding models for reproductive biology research. AUST J ZOOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/zo21017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Australian lizards are a diverse group distributed across the continent and inhabiting a wide range of environments. Together, they exhibit a remarkable diversity of reproductive morphologies, physiologies, and behaviours that is broadly representative of vertebrates in general. Many reproductive traits exhibited by Australian lizards have evolved independently in multiple lizard lineages, including sociality, complex signalling and mating systems, viviparity, and temperature-dependent sex determination. Australian lizards are thus outstanding model organisms for testing hypotheses about how reproductive traits function and evolve, and they provide an important basis of comparison with other animals that exhibit similar traits. We review how research on Australian lizard reproduction has contributed to answering broader evolutionary and ecological questions that apply to animals in general. We focus on reproductive traits, processes, and strategies that are important areas of current research, including behaviours and signalling involved in courtship; mechanisms involved in mating, egg production, and sperm competition; nesting and gestation; sex determination; and finally, birth in viviparous species. We use our review to identify important questions that emerge from an understanding of this body of research when considered holistically. Finally, we identify additional research questions within each topic that Australian lizards are well suited for reproductive biologists to address.
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13
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Brosens I, Puttemans P, Benagiano G. Placental bed research: I. The placental bed: from spiral arteries remodeling to the great obstetrical syndromes. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019; 221:437-456. [PMID: 31163132 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The term placental bed was coined to describe the maternal-fetal interface (ie, the area in which the placenta attaches itself to the uterus). Appropriate vascularization of this area is of vital importance for the development of the fetus; this is why systematic investigations of this area have now been carried out. Initially, the challenge was the identification and classification of the various successive branching of uterine arteries in this area. These vessels have a unique importance because failure of their physiological transformation is considered to be the anatomical basis for reduced perfusion to the intervillous space in women with preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm labor, preterm premature rupture of membranes, abruptio placentae, and fetal death. To investigate in depth the pathophysiology of the placental bed, some 60 years ago, a large number of placental bed biopsies, as well as of cesarean hysterectomy specimens with placenta in situ, from both early and late normotensive and hypertensive pregnancies, were carefully dissected and analyzed. Thanks to the presence of a series of specific physiological changes, characterized by the invasion and substitution of the arterial intima by trophoblast, this material allowed the identification in the placental bed of normal pregnancies of the main vessels, the uteroplacental arteries. It was then discovered that preeclampsia is associated with defective or absent transformation of the myometrial segment of the uteroplacental arteries. In addition, in severe hypertensive disease, atherosclerotic lesions were also found in the defective myometrial segment. Finally, in the basal decidua, a unique vascular lesion, coined acute atherosis, was also identified This disorder of deep placentation, coined defective deep placentation, has been associated with the great obstetrical syndromes, grouping together preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm labor, preterm premature rupture of membranes, late spontaneous abortion, and abruptio placentae. More recently, simplified techniques of tissue sampling have been also introduced: decidual suction allows to obtain a large number of decidual arteries, although their origin in the placental bed cannot be determined. Biopsies parallel to the surface of the basal plate have been more interesting, making possible to identify the vessels' region (central, paracentral, or peripheral) of origin in the placental bed and providing decidual material for immunohistochemical studies. Finally, histochemical and electron microscopy investigations have now clarified the pathology and pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the impairment of the physiological vascular changes.
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Parker SL, Dimkovikj VH. Effects of regional hypoxia and incubation temperature on growth, differentiation, heart mass, and oxygen consumption in embryos of the leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2019; 227:51-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Jackson AGS, Leu SY, Hicks JW. Simultaneously Occurring Elevated Metabolic States Expose Constraints in Maximal Levels of Oxygen Consumption in the Oviparous Snake Lamprophis fuliginosus. Physiol Biochem Zool 2017; 90:301-312. [PMID: 28384426 DOI: 10.1086/691094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
African house snakes (Lamprophis fuliginosus) were used to compare the metabolic increments associated with reproduction, digestion, and activity both individually and when combined simultaneously. Rates of oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]) and carbon dioxide production ([Formula: see text]) were measured in adult female (nonreproductive and reproductive) and adult male snakes during rest, digestion, activity while fasting, and postprandial activity. We also compared the endurance time (i.e., time to exhaustion) during activity while fasting and postprandial activity in males and females. For nonreproductive females and males, our results indicate that the metabolic increments of digestion (∼3-6-fold) and activity while fasting (∼6-10-fold) did not interact in an additive fashion; instead, the aerobic scope associated with postprandial activity was 40%-50% lower, and animals reached exhaustion up to 11 min sooner. During reproduction, there was no change in digestive [Formula: see text], but aerobic scope for activity while fasting was 30% lower than nonreproductive values. The prioritization pattern of oxygen delivery exhibited by L. fuliginosus during postprandial activity (in both males and females) and for activity while fasting (in reproductive females) was more constrained than predicted (i.e., instead of unchanged [Formula: see text], peak values were 30%-40% lower). Overall, our results indicate that L. fuliginosus's cardiopulmonary system's capacity for oxygen delivery was not sufficient to maintain the metabolic increments associated with reproduction, digestion, and activity simultaneously without limiting aerobic scope and/or activity performance.
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Griffith OW, Brandley MC, Whittington CM, Belov K, Thompson MB. Comparative genomics of hormonal signaling in the chorioallantoic membrane of oviparous and viviparous amniotes. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 244:19-29. [PMID: 27102939 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2015] [Revised: 01/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In oviparous amniotes (reptiles, birds, and mammals) the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) lines the inside of the egg and acts as the living point of contact between the embryo and the outside world. In livebearing (viviparous) amniotes, communication during embryonic development occurs across placental tissues, which form between the uterine tissue of the mother and the CAM of the embryo. In both oviparous and viviparous taxa, the CAM is at the interface of the embryo and the external environment and can transfer signals from there to the embryo proper. To understand the evolution of placental hormone production in amniotes, we examined the expression of genes involved in hormone synthesis, metabolism, and hormone receptivity in the CAM of species across the amniote phylogeny. We collected transcriptome data for the chorioallantoic membranes of the chicken (oviparous), the lizards Lerista bougainvillii (both oviparous and viviparous populations) and Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii (viviparous), and the horse Equus caballus (viviparous). The viviparous taxa differ in their mechanisms of nutrient provisioning: L. bougainvillii is lecithotrophic (embryonic nourishment is provided via the yolk only), but P. entrecasteauxii and the horse are placentotrophic (embryos are nourished via placental transport). Of the 423 hormone-related genes that we examined, 91 genes are expressed in all studied species, suggesting that the chorioallantoic membrane ancestrally had an endocrine function. Therefore, the chorioallantoic membrane appears to be a highly hormonally active organ in all amniotes. No genes are expressed only in viviparous species, suggesting that the evolution of viviparity has not required the recruitment of any specific hormone-related genes. Our data suggest that the endocrine function of the CAM as a placental tissue evolved in part through co-option of ancestral gene expression patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver W Griffith
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Heydon-Laurence Building, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States.
| | - Matthew C Brandley
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Heydon-Laurence Building, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; New York University - Sydney, The Rocks, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Camilla M Whittington
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Heydon-Laurence Building, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Katherine Belov
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Michael B Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Heydon-Laurence Building, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Blackburn DG, Anderson KE, Lo AR, Marquez EC, Callard IP. Placentation in watersnakes II: Placental ultrastructure in N
erodia erythrogaster
(Colubridae: Natricinae). J Morphol 2017; 278:675-688. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G. Blackburn
- Department of Biology, and Electron Microscopy Facility; Trinity College; Hartford Connecticut 06106
| | - Kristie E. Anderson
- Department of Biology, and Electron Microscopy Facility; Trinity College; Hartford Connecticut 06106
| | - Amy R. Lo
- Department of Biology, and Electron Microscopy Facility; Trinity College; Hartford Connecticut 06106
| | - Emily C. Marquez
- Department of Biology; Boston University; Boston Massachusetts 02215
| | - Ian P. Callard
- Department of Biology; Boston University; Boston Massachusetts 02215
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Blackburn DG, Anderson KE, Aronson KW, Burket MK, Chin JF, San-Francisco SK, Callard IP. Placentation in watersnakes I: Placental histology and development in North American Nerodia
(Colubridae: Natricinae). J Morphol 2017; 278:665-674. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G. Blackburn
- Department of Biology, and Electron Microscopy Facility; Trinity College; Hartford Connecticut 06106
| | - Kristie E. Anderson
- Department of Biology, and Electron Microscopy Facility; Trinity College; Hartford Connecticut 06106
| | - Kera W. Aronson
- Department of Biology, and Electron Microscopy Facility; Trinity College; Hartford Connecticut 06106
| | - Mary K. Burket
- Department of Biology, and Electron Microscopy Facility; Trinity College; Hartford Connecticut 06106
| | - Jessica F. Chin
- Department of Biology, and Electron Microscopy Facility; Trinity College; Hartford Connecticut 06106
| | | | - Ian P. Callard
- Department of Biology; Boston University; Boston Massachusetts 02215
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Jackson AGS, Leu SY, Ford NB, Hicks JW. Patterns of oxygen consumption during simultaneously occurring elevated metabolic states in the viviparous snake Thamnophis marcianus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 218:3570-9. [PMID: 26417014 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.115477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Snakes exhibit large factorial increments in oxygen consumption during digestion and physical activity, and long-lasting sub-maximal increments during reproduction. Under natural conditions, all three physiological states may occur simultaneously, but the integrated response is not well understood. Adult male and female checkered gartersnakes (Thamnophis marcianus) were used to examine increments in oxygen consumption (i.e. V̇(O2)) and carbon dioxide production (i.e. V̇(CO2)) associated with activity (Act), digestion (Dig) and post-prandial activity (Act+Dig). For females, we carried out these trials in the non-reproductive state, and also during the vitellogenic (V) and embryogenic (E) phases of a reproductive cycle. Endurance time (i.e. time to exhaustion, TTE) was recorded for all groups during Act and Act+Dig trials. Our results indicate that male and non-reproductive female T. marcianus exhibit significant increments in V̇(O2) during digestion (∼5-fold) and activity (∼9-fold), and that Act+Dig results in a similar increment in V̇(O2) (∼9- to 10-fold). During reproduction, resting V̇(O2) increased by 1.6- to 1.7-fold, and peak increments during digestion were elevated by 30-50% above non-reproductive values, but values associated with Act and Act+Dig were not significantly different from non-reproductive values. During Act+Dig, endurance time remained similar for all of the groups in the present study. Overall, our results indicate that prioritization is the primary pattern of interaction in oxygen delivery exhibited by this species. We propose that the metabolic processes associated with digestion, and perhaps reproduction, are temporarily compromised during activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G S Jackson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92627, USA
| | - Szu-Yun Leu
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92687, USA Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - Neil B Ford
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX 75799, USA
| | - James W Hicks
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92627, USA
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Aguilar C, Stark MR, Arroyo JA, Standing MD, Rios S, Washburn T, Sites JW. Placental morphology in two sympatric Andean lizards of the genusLiolaemus(Reptilia: Liolaemidae). J Morphol 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- César Aguilar
- Department of Biology and Bean Life Science Museum; Brigham Young University (BYU); Provo Utah 84602
- Departamento de Herpetologia; Museo De Historia Natural De San Marcos (MUSM); Av. Arenales 1256 Jesus María Lima Perú
- Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas Antonio Raimondi, Department of Zoology, Facultad De Ciencias Biologicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor De San Marcos; Lima Perú
| | - Michael R. Stark
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology; BYU; Provo Utah 84602
| | - Juan A. Arroyo
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology; BYU; Provo Utah 84602
| | | | - Shary Rios
- Departamento de Herpetologia; Museo De Historia Natural De San Marcos (MUSM); Av. Arenales 1256 Jesus María Lima Perú
| | - Trevor Washburn
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology; BYU; Provo Utah 84602
| | - Jack W. Sites
- Department of Biology and Bean Life Science Museum; Brigham Young University (BYU); Provo Utah 84602
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Stewart JR. Placental specializations in lecithotrophic viviparous squamate reptiles. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2015; 324:549-61. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James R. Stewart
- Department of Biological Sciences; East Tennessee State University; Johnson City Tennessee 37614
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Flewelling S, Parker SL. Effects of temperature and oxygen on growth and differentiation of embryos of the ground skink,Scincella lateralis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 323:445-55. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.1940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Revised: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarena Flewelling
- Department of Biology; Coastal Carolina University; Conway South Carolina
| | - Scott L. Parker
- Department of Biology; Coastal Carolina University; Conway South Carolina
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Blackburn DG. Viviparous placentotrophy in reptiles and the parent-offspring conflict. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2015; 324:532-48. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G. Blackburn
- Departmentof Biology; Electron Microscopy Center; Trinity College; Hartford Connecticut
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Blackburn DG. Evolution of viviparity in squamate reptiles: Reversibility reconsidered. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2015; 324:473-86. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G. Blackburn
- Department of Biology, Electron Microscopy Center; Trinity College; Hartford Connecticut
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25
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Griffith OW, Blackburn DG, Brandley MC, Van Dyke JU, Whittington CM, Thompson MB. Ancestral state reconstructions require biological evidence to test evolutionary hypotheses: A case study examining the evolution of reproductive mode in squamate reptiles. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2015; 324:493-503. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver W. Griffith
- School of Biological Sciences; Heydon Laurence Building (A08); University of Sydney; Camperdown NSW Australia
| | | | - Matthew C. Brandley
- School of Biological Sciences; Heydon Laurence Building (A08); University of Sydney; Camperdown NSW Australia
| | - James U. Van Dyke
- School of Biological Sciences; Heydon Laurence Building (A08); University of Sydney; Camperdown NSW Australia
| | - Camilla M. Whittington
- School of Biological Sciences; Heydon Laurence Building (A08); University of Sydney; Camperdown NSW Australia
| | - Michael B. Thompson
- School of Biological Sciences; Heydon Laurence Building (A08); University of Sydney; Camperdown NSW Australia
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26
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Whittington CM, Grau GE, Murphy CR, Thompson MB. Unusual angiogenic factor plays a role in lizard pregnancy but is not unique to viviparity. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2015; 324:152-8. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Georges E. Grau
- School of Medical Sciences, Bosch Institute; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Christopher R. Murphy
- School of Medical Sciences, Bosch Institute; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Michael B. Thompson
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
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27
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Danastas K, Combes V, Lindsay LA, Grau GER, Thompson MB, Murphy CR. VEGF111: new insights in tissue invasion. Front Physiol 2015; 6:2. [PMID: 25657624 PMCID: PMC4302830 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor is a secreted glycoprotein that acts on endothelial cells to induce developmental and physiological angiogenesis. It has also been implicated in angiogenesis occurring in several pathologies, most notably, cancer. Alternative splicing of VEGF mRNA transcripts results in several isoforms with distinct properties depending on their exon composition. Recently, a new isoform has been identified, VEGF111 with a unique exon composition responsible for its high angiogenic potential. In humans, the only known inducer of VEGF111 is DNA damage but its natural presence in the uterus of the viviparous lizard, Saiphos equalis, suggests other mechanisms of regulation. Most interestingly, the possible relationship between the evolution of viviparity and the associated increased risk in developing cancer may be important in understanding the mechanisms underlying tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Danastas
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences, Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Valery Combes
- Discipline of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Laura A Lindsay
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences, Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Georges E R Grau
- Discipline of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael B Thompson
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher R Murphy
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences, Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Foucart T, Lourdais O, DeNardo DF, Heulin B. Influence of reproductive mode on metabolic costs of reproduction: insight from the bimodal lizard Zootoca vivipara. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 217:4049-56. [PMID: 25278472 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.104315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Examination of the selective forces behind the transition from oviparity to viviparity in vertebrates must include an understanding of the relative energy costs of the two reproductive modes. However, interspecific comparisons of reproductive mode are confounded by numerous other inherent differences among the species. Therefore, we compared oxygen consumption, as a reflection of energy costs, during reproduction in oviparous and viviparous females of the reproductively bimodal lizard Zootoca vivipara (Jaquin 1787). Female oxygen consumption progressively increased over the course of reproduction, peaking just prior to parition when it was 46% (oviparous form) and 82% (viviparous form) higher than it was at the pre-reproductive stage. Total increase in oxygen consumption (TIOC) during the pre-ovulation period was not different between the reproductive modes. Conversely, post-ovulation TIOC was more than three times higher in viviparous females, reflecting a dramatic increase in embryonic metabolism as well as maternal metabolic costs of pregnancy (MCP). MCP accounted for 22% of total metabolism in viviparous females, whereas it was negligible in oviparous females. Our results demonstrate that egg retention through the first third of development, as is typical of most oviparous squamates, entails minimal maternal energy demand, while extending retention imposes much greater metabolic constraints. Selection for transition from oviparity to viviparity must therefore provide benefits that outweigh not only the added burden associated with prolonged embryonic retention, but also the substantial additional energy costs that are incurred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Foucart
- Station Biologique de Paimpont, UMR 6553 CNRS, F-35380, Paimpont, France Centre d'Étude Biologique de Chizé CNRS, F-79360, Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Olivier Lourdais
- Centre d'Étude Biologique de Chizé CNRS, F-79360, Villiers en Bois, France School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA
| | - Dale F DeNardo
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA
| | - Benoit Heulin
- Station Biologique de Paimpont, UMR 6553 CNRS, F-35380, Paimpont, France
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29
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Blackburn DG. Evolution of vertebrate viviparity and specializations for fetal nutrition: A quantitative and qualitative analysis. J Morphol 2014; 276:961-90. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G. Blackburn
- Department of Biology and; Electron Microscopy Center, Trinity College; Hartford Connecticut 06106
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Van Dyke JU, Brandley MC, Thompson MB. The evolution of viviparity: molecular and genomic data from squamate reptiles advance understanding of live birth in amniotes. Reproduction 2014; 147:R15-26. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes) are an ideal model system for testing hypotheses regarding the evolution of viviparity (live birth) in amniote vertebrates. Viviparity has evolved over 100 times in squamates, resulting in major changes in reproductive physiology. At a minimum, all viviparous squamates exhibit placentae formed by the appositions of maternal and embryonic tissues, which are homologous in origin with the tissues that form the placenta in therian mammals. These placentae facilitate adhesion of the conceptus to the uterus as well as exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, sodium, and calcium. However, most viviparous squamates continue to rely on yolk for nearly all of their organic nutrition. In contrast, some species, which rely on the placenta for at least a portion of organic nutrition, exhibit complex placental specializations associated with the transport of amino acids and fatty acids. Some viviparous squamates also exhibit reduced immunocompetence during pregnancy, which could be the result of immunosuppression to protect developing embryos. Recent molecular studies using both candidate-gene and next-generation sequencing approaches have suggested that at least some of the genes and gene families underlying these phenomena play similar roles in the uterus and placenta of viviparous mammals and squamates. Therefore, studies of the evolution of viviparity in squamates should inform hypotheses of the evolution of viviparity in all amniotes, including mammals.
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31
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Stewart JR. Fetal nutrition in lecithotrophic squamate reptiles: Toward a comprehensive model for evolution of viviparity and placentation. J Morphol 2013; 274:824-43. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Revised: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Brandley MC, Young RL, Warren DL, Thompson MB, Wagner GP. Uterine gene expression in the live-bearing lizard, Chalcides ocellatus, reveals convergence of squamate reptile and mammalian pregnancy mechanisms. Genome Biol Evol 2012; 4:394-411. [PMID: 22333490 PMCID: PMC3318437 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evs013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the morphological and physiological changes involved in pregnancy in live-bearing reptiles are well studied, the genetic mechanisms that underlie these changes are not known. We used the viviparous African Ocellated Skink, Chalcides ocellatus, as a model to identify a near complete gene expression profile associated with pregnancy using RNA-Seq analyses of uterine transcriptomes. Pregnancy in C. ocellatus is associated with upregulation of uterine genes involved with metabolism, cell proliferation and death, and cellular transport. Moreover, there are clear parallels between the genetic processes associated with pregnancy in mammals and Chalcides in expression of genes related to tissue remodeling, angiogenesis, immune system regulation, and nutrient provisioning to the embryo. In particular, the pregnant uterine transcriptome is dominated by expression of proteolytic enzymes that we speculate are involved both with remodeling the chorioallantoic placenta and histotrophy in the omphaloplacenta. Elements of the maternal innate immune system are downregulated in the pregnant uterus, indicating a potential mechanism to avoid rejection of the embryo. We found a downregulation of major histocompatability complex loci and estrogen and progesterone receptors in the pregnant uterus. This pattern is similar to mammals but cannot be explained by the mammalian model. The latter finding provides evidence that pregnancy is controlled by different endocrinological mechanisms in mammals and reptiles. Finally, 88% of the identified genes are expressed in both the pregnant and the nonpregnant uterus, and thus, morphological and physiological changes associated with C. ocellatus pregnancy are likely a result of regulation of genes continually expressed in the uterus rather than the initiation of expression of unique genes.
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Van Dyke JU, Beaupre SJ. Bioenergetic components of reproductive effort in viviparous snakes: Costs of vitellogenesis exceed costs of pregnancy. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2011; 160:504-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2011.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2011] [Revised: 08/17/2011] [Accepted: 08/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Ramírez-Pinilla MP, Parker SL, Murphy CR, Thompson MB. Uterine and chorioallantoic angiogenesis and changes in the uterine epithelium during gestation in the viviparous lizard, niveoscincus conventryi (squamata: scincidae). J Morphol 2011; 273:8-23. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.11002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2011] [Revised: 05/21/2011] [Accepted: 06/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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A review of the evolution of viviparity in squamate reptiles: the past, present and future role of molecular biology and genomics. J Comp Physiol B 2011; 181:575-94. [DOI: 10.1007/s00360-011-0584-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2011] [Revised: 04/19/2011] [Accepted: 04/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
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Murphy BF, Parker SL, Murphy CR, Thompson MB. Angiogenesis of the uterus and chorioallantois in the eastern water skink Eulamprus quoyii. J Exp Biol 2010; 213:3340-7. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.046862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY
We have discovered a modification of the uterus that appears to facilitate maternal-fetal communication during pregnancy in the scincid lizard Eulamprus quoyii. A vessel-dense elliptical area (VDE) on the mesometrial side of the uterus expands as the embryo grows, providing a large vascular area for physiological exchange between mother and embryo. The VDE is already developed in females with newly ovulated eggs, and is situated directly adjacent to the chorioallantois of the embryo when it develops. It is likely that signals from the early developing embryo determine the position of the VDE, as the VDE is off-centre in cases where the embryo sits obliquely in the uterus. The VDE is not a modification of the uterus over the entire chorioallantoic placenta, as the VDE is smaller than the chorioallantois after embryonic stage 33, but expansion of the VDE and growth of the chorioallantois during pregnancy are strongly correlated. The expansion of the VDE is also strongly correlated with embryonic growth and increasing embryonic oxygen demand (). We propose that angiogenic stimuli are exchanged between the VDE and the chorioallantois in E. quoyii, allowing the simultaneous growth of both tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget F. Murphy
- Integrative Physiology Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Scott L. Parker
- Department of Biology, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC 25926, USA
| | - Christopher R. Murphy
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Science and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Michael B. Thompson
- Integrative Physiology Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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