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Züger S, Krings W, Gorb SN, Büscher TH, Sombke A. Material composition and mechanical properties of the venom-injecting forcipules in centipedes. Front Zool 2024; 21:21. [PMID: 39180121 PMCID: PMC11342574 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-024-00543-1] [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: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Centipedes are terrestrial and predatory arthropods that possess an evolutionary transformed pair of appendages used for venom injection-the forcipules. Many arthropods incorporate reinforcing elements into the cuticle of their piercing or biting structures to enhance hardness, elasticity or resistance to wear and structural failure. Given their frequent exposure to high mechanical stress, we hypothesise that the cuticle of the centipede forcipule might be mechanically reinforced. With a combination of imaging, analytical techniques and mechanical testing, we explore the centipede forcipule in detail to shed light on its morphology and performance. Additionally, we compare these data to characteristics of the locomotory leg to infer evolutionary processes. RESULTS We examined sclerotization patterns using confocal laser-scanning microscopy based on autofluorescence properties of the cuticle (forcipule and leg) and elemental composition by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in representative species from all five centipede lineages. These experiments revealed gradually increasing sclerotization towards the forcipular tarsungulum and a stronger sclerotization of joints in taxa with condensed podomeres. Depending on the species, calcium, zinc or chlorine are present with a higher concentration towards the distal tarsungulum. Interestingly, these characteristics are more or less mirrored in the locomotory leg's pretarsal claw in Epimorpha. To understand how incorporated elements affect mechanical properties, we tested resistance to structural failure, hardness (H) and Young's modulus (E) in two representative species, one with high zinc and one with high calcium content. Both species, however, exhibit similar properties and no differences in mechanical stress the forcipule can withstand. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals similarities in the material composition and properties of the forcipules in centipedes. The forcipules transformed from an elongated leg-like appearance into rigid piercing structures. Our data supports their serial homology to the locomotory leg and that the forcipule's tarsungulum is a fusion of tarsus and pretarsal claw. Calcium or zinc incorporation leads to comparable mechanical properties like in piercing structures of chelicerates and insects, but the elemental incorporation does not increase H and E in centipedes, suggesting that centipedes followed their own pathways in the evolutionary transformation of piercing tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Züger
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Integrative Zoology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Wencke Krings
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Cariology, Endodontology and Periodontology, Universität Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 12, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stanislav N Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Thies H Büscher
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Andy Sombke
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Integrative Zoology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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2
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Schendel V, Müller CHG, Kenning M, Maxwell M, Jenner RA, Undheim EAB, Sombke A. The venom and telopodal defence systems of the centipede Lithobius forficatus are functionally convergent serial homologues. BMC Biol 2024; 22:135. [PMID: 38867210 PMCID: PMC11170834 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01925-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evolution of novelty is a central theme in evolutionary biology, yet studying the origins of traits with an apparently discontinuous origin remains a major challenge. Venom systems are a well-suited model for the study of this phenomenon because they capture several aspects of novelty across multiple levels of biological complexity. However, while there is some knowledge on the evolution of individual toxins, not much is known about the evolution of venom systems as a whole. One way of shedding light on the evolution of new traits is to investigate less specialised serial homologues, i.e. repeated traits in an organism that share a developmental origin. This approach can be particularly informative in animals with repetitive body segments, such as centipedes. RESULTS Here, we investigate morphological and biochemical aspects of the defensive telopodal glandular organs borne on the posterior legs of venomous stone centipedes (Lithobiomorpha), using a multimethod approach, including behavioural observations, comparative morphology, proteomics, comparative transcriptomics and molecular phylogenetics. We show that the anterior venom system and posterior telopodal defence system are functionally convergent serial homologues, where one (telopodal defence) represents a model for the putative early evolutionary state of the other (venom). Venom glands and telopodal glandular organs appear to have evolved from the same type of epidermal gland (four-cell recto-canal type) and while the telopodal defensive secretion shares a great degree of compositional overlap with centipede venoms in general, these similarities arose predominantly through convergent recruitment of distantly related toxin-like components. Both systems are composed of elements predisposed to functional innovation across levels of biological complexity that range from proteins to glands, demonstrating clear parallels between molecular and morphological traits in the properties that facilitate the evolution of novelty. CONCLUSIONS The evolution of the lithobiomorph telopodal defence system provides indirect empirical support for the plausibility of the hypothesised evolutionary origin of the centipede venom system, which occurred through functional innovation and gradual specialisation of existing epidermal glands. Our results thus exemplify how continuous transformation and functional innovation can drive the apparent discontinuous emergence of novelties on higher levels of biological complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Schendel
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Carsten H G Müller
- Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Loitzer Strasse 26, Greifswald, 17489, Germany
| | - Matthes Kenning
- Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Loitzer Strasse 26, Greifswald, 17489, Germany
| | - Michael Maxwell
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | | | - Eivind A B Undheim
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0316, Norway.
| | - Andy Sombke
- Centre for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, Vienna, 1090, Austria.
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Integrative Zoology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Austria.
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3
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Vommaro ML, Donato S, Caputo S, Agostino RG, Montali A, Tettamanti G, Giglio A. Anatomical changes of Tenebrio molitor and Tribolium castaneum during complete metamorphosis. Cell Tissue Res 2024; 396:19-40. [PMID: 38409390 PMCID: PMC10997553 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03877-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
In holometabolous insects, extensive reorganisation of tissues and cells occurs at the pupal stage. The remodelling of the external exoskeleton and internal organs that intervenes during metamorphosis has been traditionally studied in many insect species based on histological or ultrastructural methods. This study demonstrates the use of synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast micro-computed tomography as a powerful, non-destructive tool for in situ morphological observation of anatomical structures at the pupal stage in two Tenebrionid beetles, i.e. Tribolium castaneum and Tenebrio molitor, known as important pests, as well as emerging and promising models in experimental biology. Virtual sections and three-dimensional reconstructions were performed on both males and females at early, intermediate, and late pupal stage. The dataset allowed us to observe the remodelling of the gut and nervous system as well as the shaping of the female and male reproductive system at different pupal ages in both mealworm and red flour beetles. Moreover, we observed that the timing and duration pattern of organ development varied between the species analysed, likely related to the species-specific adaptations of the pre-imaginal stages to environmental conditions, which ultimately affect their life cycle. This research provides new knowledge on the morphological modifications that occur during the pupal stage of holometabolous insects and provides a baseline set of information on beetle metamorphosis that may support future research in forensics, physiology, and ecology as well as an image atlas for educational purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luigia Vommaro
- University of Calabria, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, Rende, Italy
| | - Sandro Donato
- University of Calabria, Department of Physics and STAR research infrastructure, Rende, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Division of Frascati, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Caputo
- University of Calabria, Department of Environmental Engineering, Rende, Italy
| | - Raffaele G Agostino
- University of Calabria, Department of Physics and STAR research infrastructure, Rende, Italy
| | - Aurora Montali
- University of Insubria, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Varese, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tettamanti
- University of Insubria, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Varese, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-environmental Technology (BAT Center), University of Napoli Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Anita Giglio
- University of Calabria, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, Rende, Italy.
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4
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Fu SJ, Yang EC. Neuroplasticity in honey bee brains: An enhanced micro-computed tomography protocol for precise mushroom body volume measurement. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 403:110040. [PMID: 38135123 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.110040] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In insect brains, mushroom bodies are associated with memory and learning behavior. It has been demonstrated that the volume of the mushroom bodies in the brain of a worker honey bee changes during the adult stage. Changes in mushroom body volume imply high neuroplasticity in the brains and may be related to the age polyethism of honey bees. A suitable volume measurement method is needed to understand the correlation between behavioral changes and mushroom body volume changes in honey bees. NEW METHOD We developed a new protocol for insect micro-computed tomography by modifying a previously reported method. Permount™ mounting medium was used as the embedding medium for micro-computed tomography scanning. RESULTS This protocol can generate images with high contrast inside the brain and reduce the marked shape changes during specimen processing. From the resulting high-contrast images, we used freeware to generate a three-dimensional model and calculate the volumes of the mushroom bodies in honey bees. The measured volumes of the mushroom bodies were larger than the values reported in most previous studies. There was no significant difference between the left and right mushroom body volumes, but the volumes of honey bee mushroom bodies significantly increased with age. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Previous protocols for micro-computed tomography using dried samples would cause brain shrinkage; protocols using ethanol-preserved or resin-embedded samples generated images with lower contrast. CONCLUSIONS The embedding protocol for micro-computed tomography is suitable for calculating volume of the mushroom bodies in honey bee brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Jui Fu
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - En-Cheng Yang
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taiwan.
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5
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Steinhoff POM, Harzsch S, Uhl G. Comparative neuroanatomy of the central nervous system in web-building and cursorial hunting spiders. J Comp Neurol 2023; 532:e25554. [PMID: 37948052 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25554] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Spiders (Araneae) include cursorial species that stalk their prey and more stationary species that use webs for prey capture. While many cursorial hunting spiders rely on visual cues, web-building spiders use vibratory cues (mechanosensation) for prey capture. We predicted that the differences in primary sensory input between the species are mirrored by differences in the morphology/architecture of the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we investigated the CNS anatomy of four spider species, two cursorial hunters Pardosa amentata (Lycosidae) and Marpissa muscosa (Salticidae), and two web-building hunters Argiope bruennichi (Araneidae) and Parasteatoda tepidariorum (Theridiidae). Their CNS was analyzed using Bodian silver impregnations, immunohistochemistry, and microCT analysis. We found that there are major differences between species in the secondary eye pathway of the brain that pertain to first-order, second-order, and higher order brain centers (mushroom bodies [MB]). While P. amentata and M. muscosa have prominent visual neuropils and MB, these are much reduced in the two web-building species. Argiope bruennichi lacks second-order visual neuropils but has specialized photoreceptors that project into two distinct visual neuropils, and P. tepidariorum lacks MB, suggesting that motion vision might be absent in this species. Interestingly, the differences in the ventral nerve cord are much less pronounced, but the web-building spiders have proportionally larger leg neuropils than the cursorial spiders. Our findings suggest that the importance of visual information is much reduced in web-building spiders, compared to cursorial spiders, while processing of mechanosensory information requires the same major circuits in both web-building and cursorial hunting spiders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip O M Steinhoff
- Zoological Institute and Museum, General and Systematic Zoology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Steffen Harzsch
- Zoological Institute and Museum, Cytology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Gabriele Uhl
- Zoological Institute and Museum, General and Systematic Zoology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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6
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Hildebrand T, Novak J, Nogueira LP, Boccaccini AR, Haugen HJ. Durability assessment of hydrogel mountings for contrast-enhanced micro-CT. Micron 2023; 174:103533. [PMID: 37660476 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2023.103533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) provides valuable data for studying soft tissue, though it is often affected by sample movement during scans and low contrast in X-ray absorption. This can result in lower image quality and geometric inaccuracies, collectively known as 'artefacts'. To mitigate these issues, samples can be embedded in hydrogels and enriched with heavy metals for contrast enhancement. However, the long-term durability of these enhancements remains largely unexplored. In this study, we examine the effects of two contrast enhancement agents - iodine and phosphotungstic acid (PTA) - and two hydrogels - agarose and Poloxamer 407 - over a 14-day period. We used Drosophila melanogaster as a test model for our investigation. Our findings reveal that PTA and agarose are highly durable, while iodine and poloxamer hydrogel exhibits higher leakage rates. These observations lay the foundation for estimating contrast stabilities in contrast-enhanced micro-CT with hydrogel embedding and serve to inform future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torben Hildebrand
- Department of Biomaterials, Institute of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo 0317, Norway.
| | - Jan Novak
- Department of Biomaterials, Institute of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo 0317, Norway; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Liebert Parreiras Nogueira
- Oral Research Laboratory, Institute of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo 0317, Norway
| | - Aldo Roberto Boccaccini
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Håvard Jostein Haugen
- Department of Biomaterials, Institute of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo 0317, Norway
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7
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Lösel PD, Monchanin C, Lebrun R, Jayme A, Relle JJ, Devaud JM, Heuveline V, Lihoreau M. Natural variability in bee brain size and symmetry revealed by micro-CT imaging and deep learning. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011529. [PMID: 37782674 PMCID: PMC10569549 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Analysing large numbers of brain samples can reveal minor, but statistically and biologically relevant variations in brain morphology that provide critical insights into animal behaviour, ecology and evolution. So far, however, such analyses have required extensive manual effort, which considerably limits the scope for comparative research. Here we used micro-CT imaging and deep learning to perform automated analyses of 3D image data from 187 honey bee and bumblebee brains. We revealed strong inter-individual variations in total brain size that are consistent across colonies and species, and may underpin behavioural variability central to complex social organisations. In addition, the bumblebee dataset showed a significant level of lateralization in optic and antennal lobes, providing a potential explanation for reported variations in visual and olfactory learning. Our fast, robust and user-friendly approach holds considerable promises for carrying out large-scale quantitative neuroanatomical comparisons across a wider range of animals. Ultimately, this will help address fundamental unresolved questions related to the evolution of animal brains and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp D. Lösel
- Engineering Mathematics and Computing Lab (EMCL), Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Data Mining and Uncertainty Quantification (DMQ), Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Materials Physics, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Coline Monchanin
- Research Center on Animal Cognition (CRCA), Center for Integrative Biology (CBI); CNRS, University Paul Sabatier – Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Renaud Lebrun
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution de Montpellier, CC64, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- BioCampus, Montpellier Ressources Imagerie, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Alejandra Jayme
- Engineering Mathematics and Computing Lab (EMCL), Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Data Mining and Uncertainty Quantification (DMQ), Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jacob J. Relle
- Engineering Mathematics and Computing Lab (EMCL), Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Data Mining and Uncertainty Quantification (DMQ), Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jean-Marc Devaud
- Research Center on Animal Cognition (CRCA), Center for Integrative Biology (CBI); CNRS, University Paul Sabatier – Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Vincent Heuveline
- Engineering Mathematics and Computing Lab (EMCL), Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Data Mining and Uncertainty Quantification (DMQ), Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg University Computing Centre (URZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mathieu Lihoreau
- Research Center on Animal Cognition (CRCA), Center for Integrative Biology (CBI); CNRS, University Paul Sabatier – Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
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8
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Lima MG, Jussiani EI, Andrello AC, Zequi JAC, Kawabata EK. Potentialities of iodine-enhanced micro-CT imaging in the morphological study of adult Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) mosquitoes. Micron 2023; 173:103518. [PMID: 37531794 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2023.103518] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
X-ray micro-computed tomography (CT) produces three-dimensional images of samples on a micrometer scale. This technique has several advantages, such as its nondestructive character and low measurement time, compared with other techniques. However, when applied to biological samples of soft tissue, the low attenuation and low effective contrast between structures pose difficulties in creating appropriate images for morphological studies. Diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced CT (DICE-CT), which uses iodine solutions to enhance contrast, is a viable alternative for addressing the aforementioned challenges. Given the variety of biological samples, an appropriate methodology must be adapted depending on the dimensions and morphological characteristics of the investigated object. A specimen that has not been morphologically studied by micro-CT and is of high sanitary importance is the adult Aedes aegypti mosquito. This study investigated the stage of iodine staining in the treatment of the A. aegypti mosquito to determine the most suitable staining time for the morphological study of this mosquito in adulthood. After determining the appropriate staining time, we discuss the potential of applying DICE-CT and methodology to mosquito studies. Seven A. aegypti females were treated using fixation steps with Bouin's solution, dehydration in a graded ethanol series, staining with iodine solution (1%), and washing in absolute ethanol. Only the staining step was different between samples. Each mosquito spent a varying amount of time (6-72 h) in the iodine solution (1%). For comparison, one of the mosquitoes was not stained. After treatment, the samples were scanned using the Bruker SkyScan 1172 micro-CT scanner. The reconstructed volumes and histograms were compared to determine the most suitable time. In addition, a quantitative analysis was performed based on a comparison of the attenuation profiles of the mosquito brains. Thereafter, the most suitable treatment process was selected, and two other samples were scanned after applying the selected process. Although fewer than 18 h was insufficient for an effective increase in attenuation and effective contrast, surpassing 24 h proved unnecessary and resulted in saturating the gray tones visualized through the histograms, leading to information loss. Therefore, a time of approximately 24 h was the most suitable staining time for studying adult A. aegypti. It was possible to isolate the organs of the digestive and reproductive systems of the mosquito stained for 24 h. Thus, micro-CT was confirmed to be an excellent technique in studies of individual structures of adult A. aegypti mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateus Gruener Lima
- Applied Nuclear Physics Research Group, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid/PR 445 Km 380, 86057-970 Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Eduardo Inocente Jussiani
- Applied Nuclear Physics Research Group, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid/PR 445 Km 380, 86057-970 Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Avacir Casanova Andrello
- Applied Nuclear Physics Research Group, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid/PR 445 Km 380, 86057-970 Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - João Antonio Cyrino Zequi
- Laboratory of Medical and General Entomology, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid/PR 445 Km 380, 86057-970 Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Edson Kenji Kawabata
- Laboratory of Medical and General Entomology, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid/PR 445 Km 380, 86057-970 Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
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9
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Geier B, Gil-Mansilla E, Liutkevičiūtė Z, Hellinger R, Vanden Broeck J, Oetjen J, Liebeke M, Gruber CW. Multiplexed neuropeptide mapping in ant brains integrating microtomography and three-dimensional mass spectrometry imaging. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad144. [PMID: 37215633 PMCID: PMC10194420 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are important regulators of animal physiology and behavior. Hitherto the gold standard for the localization of neuropeptides have been immunohistochemical methods that require the synthesis of antibody panels, while another limiting factor has been the brain's opacity for subsequent in situ light or fluorescence microscopy. To address these limitations, we explored the integration of high-resolution mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) with microtomography for a multiplexed mapping of neuropeptides in two evolutionary distant ant species, Atta sexdens and Lasius niger. For analyzing the spatial distribution of chemically diverse peptide molecules across the brain in each species, the acquisition of serial mass spectrometry images was essential. As a result, we have comparatively mapped the three-dimensional (3D) distributions of eight conserved neuropeptides throughout the brain microanatomy. We demonstrate that integrating the 3D MSI data into high-resolution anatomy models can be critical for studying organs with high plasticity such as brains of social insects. Several peptides, like the tachykinin-related peptides (TK) 1 and 4, were widely distributed in many brain areas of both ant species, whereas others, for instance myosuppressin, were restricted to specific regions only. Also, we detected differences at the species level; many peptides were identified in the optic lobe of L. niger, but only one peptide (ITG-like) was found in this region in A. sexdens. Building upon MS imaging studies on neuropeptides in invertebrate model systems, our approach leverages correlative MSI and computed microtomography for investigating fundamental neurobiological processes by visualizing the unbiased 3D neurochemistry in its complex anatomic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zita Liutkevičiūtė
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Roland Hellinger
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Group, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Janina Oetjen
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: (J.O.); (M.L.); (C.W.G.)
| | - Manuel Liebeke
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: (J.O.); (M.L.); (C.W.G.)
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10
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Handschuh S, Okada CTC, Walter I, Aurich C, Glösmann M. An optimized workflow for
microCT
imaging of formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded (
FFPE
) early equine embryos. Anat Histol Embryol 2022; 51:611-623. [PMID: 35851500 PMCID: PMC9542120 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Here, we describe a workflow for high‐detail microCT imaging of formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) equine embryos recovered on Day 34 of pregnancy (E34), a period just before placenta formation. The presented imaging methods are suitable for large animals' embryos with intention to study morphological and developmental aspects, but more generally can be adopted for all kinds of FFPE tissue specimens. Microscopic 3D imaging techniques such as microCT are important tools for detecting and studying normal embryogenesis and developmental disorders. To date, microCT imaging of vertebrate embryos was mostly done on embryos that have been stained with an X‐ray dense contrast agent. Here, we describe an alternative imaging procedure that allows to visualize embryo morphology and organ development in unstained FFPE embryos. Two aspects are critical for high‐quality data acquisition: (i) a proper sample mounting leaving as little as possible paraffin around the sample and (ii) an image filtering pipeline that improves signal‐to‐noise ratio in these inherently low‐contrast data sets. The presented workflow allows overview imaging of the whole embryo proper and can be used for determination of organ volumes and development. Furthermore, we show that high‐resolution interior tomographies can provide virtual histology information from selected regions of interest. In addition, we demonstrate that microCT scanned embryos remain intact during the scanning procedure allowing for a subsequent investigation by routine histology and/or immunohistochemistry. This makes the presented workflow applicable also to archival paraffin‐embedded material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Handschuh
- VetCore Facility for Research/Imaging Unit University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Carolina T. C. Okada
- Platform Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer Department for Small Animals and Horses University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Ingrid Walter
- VetCore Facility for Research/VetBiobank University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Vienna Austria
- Institute of Morphology University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Christine Aurich
- Platform Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer Department for Small Animals and Horses University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Martin Glösmann
- VetCore Facility for Research/Imaging Unit University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Vienna Austria
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11
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Rivera-Quiroz FA, Miller JA. Micro-CT visualization of the CNS: Performance of different contrast-enhancing techniques for documenting the spider brain. J Comp Neurol 2022; 530:2474-2485. [PMID: 35598086 PMCID: PMC9540357 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Spider brain and central nervous system (CNS) have remained unexplored, due in part to the difficulty of observing these organs, usually only possible through histological preparations. Recently, internal anatomy studies have been supplemented by the inclusion of X‐ ray micro‐CT. Unmineralized tissue such as the body of invertebrates requires a staining process to enhance tissue X‐ray absorption and improve contrast during observation. Many current protocols are based on iodine staining requiring critical point drying (CPD) of the sample for optimal contrast. This process induces shrinking of the soft tissue generating artifacts in the morphology, volume, and even position of internal structures. Phosphotungstic acid (PTA) is an alternative staining agent recently used in marine invertebrate and plant studies. Here, we used several specimens of the common spider Araneus diadematus to visualize the spider brain and compare both contrast‐enhancing ethanol‐based solutions. We assessed a gradient of staining times, observed and tested the repercussions of CPD, and examined the use of vacuum to accelerate PTA diffusion. We show that PTA provides the best contrast on micro‐CT scans in ethanol eliminating the need for CPD, and offering more realistic in situ visualizations of the internal organs. In combination with different scanning settings, PTA allowed observation of internal organs like the CNS, digestive system, muscles, and finer structures like the retina, visual nerves, and optic neuropiles. This fast and less invasive method could facilitate the proper documentation of the internal anatomy in the context of evolutionary, developmental and functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Andres Rivera-Quiroz
- Understanding Evolution Research Group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Institute for Biology Leiden (IBL), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jeremy A Miller
- Understanding Evolution Research Group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Exploring Compound Eyes in Adults of Four Coleopteran Species Using Synchrotron X-ray Phase-Contrast Microtomography (SR-PhC Micro-CT). Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050741. [PMID: 35629408 PMCID: PMC9145526 DOI: 10.3390/life12050741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Compound eyes in insects are primary visual receptors of surrounding environments. They show considerable design variations, from the apposition vision of most day-active species to the superposition vision of nocturnal insects, that sacrifice resolution to increase sensitivity and are able to overcome the challenges of vision during lightless hours or in dim habitats. In this study, Synchrotron radiation X-ray phase-contrast microtomography was used to describe the eye structure of four coleopteran species, showing species-specific habitat demands and different feeding habits, namely the saproxylic Clinidium canaliculatum (Costa, 1839) (Rhysodidae), the omnivorous Tenebrio molitor (Linnaeus, 1758) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbest, 1797) (Tenebrionidae), and the generalist predator Pterostichus melas italicus (Dejean, 1828) (Carabidae). Virtual sections and 3D volume renderings of the heads were performed to evaluate the application and limitations of this technique for studying the internal dioptrical and sensorial parts of eyes, and to avoid time-consuming methods such as ultrastructural analyses and classic histology. Morphological parameters such as the area of the corneal facet lens and cornea, interocular distance, facet density and corneal lens thickness were measured, and differences among the studied species were discussed concerning the differences in lifestyle and habitat preferences making different demands on the visual system. Our imaging results provide, for the first time, morphological descriptions of the compound eyes in these species, supplementing their ecological and behavioural traits.
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13
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Frankowski K, Miyazaki K, Brenneis G. A microCT-based atlas of the central nervous system and midgut in sea spiders (Pycnogonida) sheds first light on evolutionary trends at the family level. Front Zool 2022; 19:14. [PMID: 35361245 PMCID: PMC8973786 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-022-00459-8] [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] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pycnogonida (sea spiders) is the sister group of all other extant chelicerates (spiders, scorpions and relatives) and thus represents an important taxon to inform early chelicerate evolution. Notably, phylogenetic analyses have challenged traditional hypotheses on the relationships of the major pycnogonid lineages (families), indicating external morphological traits previously used to deduce inter-familial affinities to be highly homoplastic. This erodes some of the support for phylogenetic information content in external morphology and calls for the study of additional data classes to test and underpin in-group relationships advocated in molecular analyses. In this regard, pycnogonid internal anatomy remains largely unexplored and taxon coverage in the studies available is limited. Results Based on micro-computed X-ray tomography and 3D reconstruction, we created a comprehensive atlas of in-situ representations of the central nervous system and midgut layout in all pycnogonid families. Beyond that, immunolabeling for tubulin and synapsin was used to reveal selected details of ganglionic architecture. The ventral nerve cord consistently features an array of separate ganglia, but some lineages exhibit extended composite ganglia, due to neuromere fusion. Further, inter-ganglionic distances and ganglion positions relative to segment borders vary, with an anterior shift in several families. Intersegmental nerves target longitudinal muscles and are lacking if the latter are reduced. Across families, the midgut displays linear leg diverticula. In Pycnogonidae, however, complex multi-branching diverticula occur, which may be evolutionarily correlated with a reduction of the heart. Conclusions Several gross neuroanatomical features are linked to external morphology, including intersegmental nerve reduction in concert with trunk segment fusion, or antero-posterior ganglion shifts in partial correlation to trunk elongation/compaction. Mapping on a recent phylogenomic phylogeny shows disjunct distributions of these traits. Other characters show no such dependency and help to underpin closer affinities in sub-branches of the pycnogonid tree, as exemplified by the tripartite subesophageal ganglion of Pycnogonidae and Rhynchothoracidae. Building on this gross anatomical atlas, future studies should now aim to leverage the full potential of neuroanatomy for phylogenetic interrogation by deciphering pycnogonid nervous system architecture in more detail, given that pioneering work on neuron subsets revealed complex character sets with unequivocal homologies across some families. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12983-022-00459-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Frankowski
- Zoologisches Institut und Museum, AG Cytologie und Evolutionsbiologie, Universität Greifswald, Soldmannstraße 23, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Katsumi Miyazaki
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Niigata University, 8050 Ikarashi 2-no-cho, Niigata, 950-2181, Japan
| | - Georg Brenneis
- Zoologisches Institut und Museum, AG Cytologie und Evolutionsbiologie, Universität Greifswald, Soldmannstraße 23, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.
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14
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Zheng T, Oda H, Hayashi Y, Moriya T, Nakamura S, Mori M, Takabatake H, Natori H, Oda M, Mori K. SR-CycleGAN: super-resolution of clinical CT to micro-CT level with multi-modality super-resolution loss. J Med Imaging (Bellingham) 2022; 9:024003. [PMID: 35399301 PMCID: PMC8983071 DOI: 10.1117/1.jmi.9.2.024003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: We propose a super-resolution (SR) method, named SR-CycleGAN, for SR of clinical computed tomography (CT) images to the micro-focus x-ray CT CT ( μ CT ) level. Due to the resolution limitations of clinical CT (about 500 × 500 × 500 μ m 3 / voxel ), it is challenging to obtain enough pathological information. On the other hand, μ CT scanning allows the imaging of lung specimens with significantly higher resolution (about 50 × 50 × 50 μ m 3 / voxel or higher), which allows us to obtain and analyze detailed anatomical information. As a way to obtain detailed information such as cancer invasion and bronchioles from preoperative clinical CT images of lung cancer patients, the SR of clinical CT images to the μ CT level is desired. Approach: Typical SR methods require aligned pairs of low-resolution (LR) and high-resolution images for training, but it is infeasible to obtain precisely aligned paired clinical CT and μ CT images. To solve this problem, we propose an unpaired SR approach that can perform SR on clinical CT to the μ CT level. We modify a conventional image-to-image translation network named CycleGAN to an inter-modality translation network named SR-CycleGAN. The modifications consist of three parts: (1) an innovative loss function named multi-modality super-resolution loss, (2) optimized SR network structures for enlarging the input LR image to2 k -times by width and height to obtain the SR output, and (3) sub-pixel shuffling layers for reducing computing time. Results: Experimental results demonstrated that our method successfully performed SR of lung clinical CT images. SSIM and PSNR scores of our method were 0.54 and 17.71, higher than the conventional CycleGAN's scores of 0.05 and 13.64, respectively. Conclusions: The proposed SR-CycleGAN is usable for the SR of a lung clinical CT into μ CT scale, while conventional CycleGAN output images with low qualitative and quantitative values. More lung micro-anatomy information could be observed to aid diagnosis, such as the shape of bronchioles walls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Zheng
- Nagoya University, Graduate School of Informatics, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hirohisa Oda
- Nagoya University, Graduate School of Informatics, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Hayashi
- Nagoya University, Graduate School of Informatics, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takayasu Moriya
- Nagoya University, Graduate School of Informatics, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shota Nakamura
- Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masaki Mori
- Sapporo-Kosei General Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | | | - Masahiro Oda
- Nagoya University, Graduate School of Informatics, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan
- Nagoya University, Information Strategy Office, Information and Communications, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kensaku Mori
- Nagoya University, Graduate School of Informatics, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan
- Nagoya University, Information Technology Center, Nagoya, Japan
- National Institute of Informatics, Research Center of Medical BigData, Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Kreuz J, Eberhard MJB. Asymmetry of the male internal reproductive organs in Mantophasmatodea. BMC ZOOL 2022; 7:4. [PMID: 37170166 PMCID: PMC10127319 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-021-00105-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Asymmetries are a widespread phenomenon in otherwise bilaterally symmetric organisms, and investigation of asymmetric structures can help us gather insights into fundamental evolutionary processes such as the selection for morphological novelties caused by behavioural changes. In insects, asymmetric genitalia have evolved in almost every order, and usually it’s the sclerotized parts and most conspicuous male phallic organs that are known to exhibit asymmetries. While external copulatory organs in insects have often been subject to investigations concerning asymmetries and the evolution thereof, internal reproductive structures have received far less attention. Here we describe the internal and external male genitalia in three species of Austrophasmatidae, Mantophasmatodea, using μ-CT imaging and light microscopy. Mantophasmatodea is the most recently discovered insect order, and with 21 species described to date, it is among the smallest insect orders currently known.
Results
We confirm that male heelwalkers exhibit asymmetries in the external genitalia and associated structures, represented by asymmetric phallic lobes and cerci. Moreover, we found an extreme asymmetry within the internal male genitalia: in all adult males investigated (N = 5), the seminal vesicle, a dilatation of the vas deferens, was only developed on the right side of the male while missing on the left side.
Conclusion
The false-male-above mating position exhibited by Mantophasmatodea and especially the long copulation duration of ca. 3 days might select for this unusual absence asymmetry of the left seminal vesicle. If this holds true for all heelwalker species, this absence asymmetry constitutes another autapomorphy for Austrophasmatidae or even the insect order Mantophasmatodea.
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Friedman O, Böhm A, Rechav K, Pinkas I, Brumfeld V, Pass G, Weiner S, Addadi L. Structural Organization of Xanthine Crystals in the Median Ocellus of a Member of the Ancestral Insect Group Archaeognatha. J Struct Biol 2022; 214:107834. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2022.107834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Old Brains in Alcohol: The Usability of Legacy Collection Material to Study the Spider Neuroarchitecture. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13110601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Natural history collections include rare and significant taxa that might otherwise be unavailable for comparative studies. However, curators must balance the needs of current and long-term research. Methods of data extraction that minimize the impact on specimens are therefore favored. Micro-CT has the potential to expose new character systems based on internal anatomy to taxonomic and phylogenetic analysis without dissection or thin sectioning for histology. However, commonly applied micro-CT protocols involve critical point drying, which permanently changes the specimen. Here, we apply a minimally destructive method of specimen preparation for micro-CT investigation of spider neuroanatomy suitable for application to legacy specimens in natural history collections. We used two groups of female spiders of the common species Araneus diadematus—freshly captured (n = 11) vs. legacy material between 70 and 90 years old (n = 10)—to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the viability of micro-CT scanning and the impact of aging on their neuroarchitecture. We statistically compared the volumes of the supraesophageal ganglion (syncerebrum) and used 2D geometric morphometrics to analyze variations in the gross shape of the brain. We found no significant differences in the brain shape or the brain volume relative to the cephalothorax size. Nonetheless, a significant difference was observed in the spider size. We considered such differences to be explained by environmental factors rather than preservation artifacts. Comparison between legacy and freshly collected specimens indicates that museum specimens do not degrade over time in a way that might bias the study results, as long as the basic preservation conditions are consistently maintained, and where lapses in preservation have occurred, these can be identified. This, together with the relatively low-impact nature of the micro-CT protocol applied here, could facilitate the use of old, rare, and valuable material from collections in studies of internal morphology.
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18
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Sombke A, Rosenberg J, Hilken G, Müller CHG. The antennal scape organ of Scutigera coleoptrata (Myriapoda) and a new type of arthropod tip-pore sensilla integrating scolopidial components. Front Zool 2021; 18:57. [PMID: 34736489 PMCID: PMC8567564 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-021-00442-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Centipedes are terrestrial, predatory arthropods with specialized sensory organs. However, many aspects of their sensory biology are still unknown. This also concerns hygroreception, which is especially important for centipedes, as their epicuticle is thin and they lose water rapidly at low humidity. Thus, the detection of humid places is vital but to date no definite hygroreceptor was found in centipedes. House centipedes (Scutigeromorpha) possess a peculiar opening at the base of their antenna, termed 'scape organ', that houses up to 15 cone-shaped sensilla in a cavity. Lacking wall and tip-pores, these socket-less sensilla may be hypothesized to function as hygroreceptors similar to those found in hexapods. RESULTS The cone-shaped sensilla in the scape organ as well as nearby peg-shaped sensilla are composed of three biciliated receptor cells and three sheath cells. A tip-pore is present but plugged by a highly electron-dense secretion, which also overlays the entire inner surface of the cavity. Several solitary recto-canal epidermal glands produce the secretion. Receptor cell type 1 (two cells in cone-shaped sensilla, one cell in peg-shaped sensilla) possesses two long dendritic outer segments that project to the terminal pore. Receptor cell type 2 (one cell in both sensilla) possesses two shorter dendritic outer segments connected to the first (proximal) sheath cell that establishes a scolopale-like structure, documented for the first time in detail in a myriapod sensillum. CONCLUSIONS The nearly identical configuration of receptor cells 1 with their long dendritic outer segments in both sensilla is similar to hexapod hygroreceptors. In Scutigera coleoptrata, however, the mechanism of stimulus transduction is different. Water vapor may lead to swelling and subsequent elongation of the plug pin that enters the terminal pore, thus causing stimulation of the elongated dendritic outer segments. The interconnection of receptor cell 2 with short outer dendritic segments to a scolopale-like structure potentially suits both sensilla for vibration or strain detection. Thus, both sensilla located at the antennal base of scutigeromorph centipedes fulfill a dual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Sombke
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Gero Hilken
- Universitätsklinikum Essen, Zentrales Tierlaboratorium, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Carsten H. G. Müller
- Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Anklamer Strasse 20, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
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Lin SW, Lopardo L, Uhl G. Diversification through gustatory courtship: an X-ray micro-computed tomography study on dwarf spiders. Front Zool 2021; 18:51. [PMID: 34583721 PMCID: PMC8480068 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-021-00435-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual selection has been considered to promote diversification and speciation. Sexually dimorphic species have been used to explore the supposed effect, however, with mixed results. In dwarf spiders (Erigoninae), many species are sexually dimorphic-males possess marked prosomal modifications. These male traits vary from moderate elevations to bizarre shapes in various prosomal regions. Previous studies established that male dwarf spiders produce substances in these prosomal modifications that are taken up by the females. These substances can act as nuptial gifts, which increase the mating probability of males and the oviposition rate in females. Therefore, these dimorphic traits have evolved in the context of sexual selection. Here, we explore the evolutionary lability of this gustatory trait complex with the aim of assessing the role of this trait complex in species divergence by investigating (1) if erigonine modified prosomata are inherently linked to nuptial-gift-producing glands, (2) if the evolution of the glands evolution preceded that of the modified prosomal shapes, and by assessing (3) the occurrence of convergent/divergent evolution and cryptic differentiation. RESULTS We reconstructed the position and extent of the glandular tissue along with the muscular anatomy in the anterior part of the prosoma of 76 erigonine spiders and three outgroup species using X-ray micro-computed tomography. In all but one case, modified prosomata are associated with gustatory glands. We incorporated the location of glands and muscles into an existing matrix of somatic and genitalic morphological traits of these taxa and reanalyzed their phylogenetic relationship. Our analysis supports that the possession of glandular equipment is the ancestral state and that the manifold modifications of the prosomal shape have evolved convergently multiple times. We found differences in gland position between species with both modified and unmodified prosomata, and reported on seven cases of gland loss. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the occurrence of gustatory glands in sexually monomorphic ancestors has set the stage for the evolution of diverse dimorphic external modifications in dwarf spiders. Differences among congeners suggest that the gland position is highly susceptible to evolutionary changes. The multiple incidences might reflect costs of glandular tissue maintenance and nuptial feeding. Our results indicate divergent evolutionary patterns of gustatory-courtship-related traits, and thus a likely facilitating effect of sexual selection on speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shou-Wang Lin
- Zoological Institute and Museum, General and Systematic Zoology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Lara Lopardo
- Zoological Institute and Museum, General and Systematic Zoology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Gabriele Uhl
- Zoological Institute and Museum, General and Systematic Zoology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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20
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Rother L, Kraft N, Smith DB, El Jundi B, Gill RJ, Pfeiffer K. A micro-CT-based standard brain atlas of the bumblebee. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 386:29-45. [PMID: 34181089 PMCID: PMC8526489 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03482-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, bumblebees have become a prominent insect model organism for a variety of biological disciplines, particularly to investigate learning behaviors as well as visual performance. Understanding these behaviors and their underlying neurobiological principles requires a clear understanding of brain anatomy. Furthermore, to be able to compare neuronal branching patterns across individuals, a common framework is required, which has led to the development of 3D standard brain atlases in most of the neurobiological insect model species. Yet, no bumblebee 3D standard brain atlas has been generated. Here we present a brain atlas for the buff-tailed bumblebee Bombus terrestris using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scans as a source for the raw data sets, rather than traditional confocal microscopy, to produce the first ever micro-CT-based insect brain atlas. We illustrate the advantages of the micro-CT technique, namely, identical native resolution in the three cardinal planes and 3D structure being better preserved. Our Bombus terrestris brain atlas consists of 30 neuropils reconstructed from ten individual worker bees, with micro-CT allowing us to segment neuropils completely intact, including the lamina, which is a tissue structure often damaged when dissecting for immunolabeling. Our brain atlas can serve as a platform to facilitate future neuroscience studies in bumblebees and illustrates the advantages of micro-CT for specific applications in insect neuroanatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Rother
- Department of Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nadine Kraft
- Department of Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dylan B Smith
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, UK
| | - Basil El Jundi
- Department of Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Richard J Gill
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, UK
| | - Keram Pfeiffer
- Department of Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany.
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21
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Holst S, Miranda LS, Meyer P, Michalik P, Sötje I. Morphological analyses of the adult and juvenile stages of the stalked jellyfish Craterolophus convolvulus (Johnston, 1835) (Cnidaria: Staurozoa: Stauromedusae: Craterolophidae) using micro-CT. ZOOL ANZ 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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22
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Martín-Vega D, Wicklein M, Simonsen TJ, Garbout A, Ahmed F, Hall MJ. Anatomical reconfiguration of the optic lobe during metamorphosis in the blow fly Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) revealed by X-ray micro-computed tomography. ZOOL ANZ 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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23
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Sombke A, Müller CHG. When SEM becomes a deceptive tool of analysis: the unexpected discovery of epidermal glands with stalked ducts on the ultimate legs of geophilomorph centipedes. Front Zool 2021; 18:17. [PMID: 33879192 PMCID: PMC8056527 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-021-00402-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The jointed appendage is a key novelty in arthropod evolution and arthropod legs are known to vary enormously in relation to function. Among centipedes, the ultimate legs always are distinctly different from locomotory legs, and different centipede taxa evolved different structural and functional modifications. In Geophilomorpha (soil centipedes), ultimate legs do not participate in locomotion and were interpret to serve a sensory function. They can be sexually dimorphic and in some species, male ultimate legs notably appear "hairy". It can be assumed that the high abundance of sensilla indicates a pronounced sensory function. This study seeks for assessing the sensory diversity, however, documents the surprising and unique case of an extensive glandular epithelium in the ultimate legs of three phylogenetically distant species. RESULTS The tightly aggregated epidermal glands with stalked ducts - mistakenly thought to be sensilla - were scrutinized using a multimodal microscopic approach comprising histology as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy in Haplophilus subterraneus. Hence, this is the first detailed account on centipede ultimate legs demonstrating an evolutionary transformation into a "secretory leg". Additionally, we investigated sensory structures as well as anatomical features using microCT analysis. Contrary to its nomination as a tarsus, tarsus 1 possesses intrinsic musculature, which is an indication that this podomere might be a derivate of the tibia. DISCUSSION The presence and identity of ultimate leg associated epidermal glands with stalked ducts is a new discovery for myriapods. A pronounced secretory as well as moderate sensory function in Haplophilus subterraneus can be concluded. The set of characters will improve future taxonomic studies, to test the hypotheses whether the presence of these specialized glands is a common feature in Geophilomorpha, and that tarsus 1 may be a derivate of the tibia. As the number of epidermal glands with stalked ducts is sexually dimorphic, their function might be connected to reproduction or a sex-specific defensive role. Our results, in particular the unexpected discovery of 'glandular hairs', may account for a striking example for how deceptive morphological descriptions of epidermal organs may be, if based on non-invasive techniques alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Sombke
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Integrative Zoology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Carsten H. G. Müller
- University of Greifswald, Zoological Institute and Museum, General and Systematic Zoology, Loitzer Straße 26, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
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Ginzel M, Martynov I, Haak R, Lacher M, Kluth D. Midgut development in rat embryos using microcomputed tomography. Commun Biol 2021; 4:190. [PMID: 33580156 PMCID: PMC7881192 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01702-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the mammalian gut was first described more than a century ago. Since then, it has been believed that a series of highly orchestrated developmental processes occur before the intestine achieves its final formation. The key steps include the formation of the umbilicus, the so-called "physiological herniation" of the midgut into the umbilical cord, an intestinal "rotation", and the "return of the gut" into the abdominal cavity. However, this sequence of events is predominantly based on histological sections of dissected embryos, a 2D technique with methodological limitations. For a better understanding of spatial relationships in the embryo, we utilized microcomputed tomography (µCT), a nondestructive 3D imaging method. Here, we show the detailed processes and mechanisms of intestinal development in rat embryos, including the development of the umbilicus, the formation of loops inside the umbilical coelom, and the subsequent shift of these loops into the abdominal cavity. Our 3D datasets of developing intestines will substantially advance the understanding of normal mammalian midgut embryology and offer new possibilities to reveal unknown mechanisms in the pathogenesis of congenital disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Ginzel
- Department of Neonatology, University Children's Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Illya Martynov
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rainer Haak
- Department of Cariology, Endodontology and Periodontology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Lacher
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dietrich Kluth
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Akhter MP, Recker RR. High resolution imaging in bone tissue research-review. Bone 2021; 143:115620. [PMID: 32866682 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review article focuses on imaging of bone tissue to understand skeletal health with regards to bone quality. Skeletal fragility fractures are due to bone diseases such as osteoporosis which result in low bone mass and bone mineral density (BMD) leading to high risk of fragility fractures. Recent advances in imaging and analysis technologies have highly benefitted the field of biological sciences. In particular, their application in skeletal health has been of significant importance in understanding bone mechanical behavior (structure and properties) at the tissue level. While synchrotron based microCT technique has remained the gold standard for non-destructive evaluation of structure in material and biological sciences, several lab based microCT systems have been developed to provide high resolution imaging of specimens with greater access, and ease of use in laboratory settings. Lab based microCT scanners are widely used in the bone field as a standard tool to evaluate three-dimensional (3D) morphologies of bone structure at image resolutions appropriate for bone samples from small animals to bone biopsy specimens from humans. Both synchrotron and standard lab based microCT systems provide high resolution imaging ex vivo for a small sized specimen. A few X-ray based systems are also commercially available for in vivo scanning at relatively low image resolutions. Synchrotron-based CT microscopy is being used for various ultra-high-resolution image analyses using complex 3D software. However, the synchrotron-based CT technology is in high demand, allows only limited numbers of specimens, expensive, requires complex additional instrumentation, and is not easily available to researchers as it requires access to a synchrotron source which is always limited. Therefore, desktop laboratory scanners (microXCT, Zeiss/Xradia, Scanco, SkyScan. etc.), mimicking the synchrotron based CT technology or image resolution, have been developed to solve the accessibility issues. These lab based scanners have helped both material science, and the bone field to investigate bone tissue morphologies at submicron mage resolutions. Considerable progress has been made in both in vivo and ex vivo imaging towards providing high resolution images of bone tissue. Both clinical and research imaging technologies will continue to improve and help understand osteoporosis and other related skeletal issues in order to develop targeted treatments for bone fragility. This review summarizes the high resolution imaging work in bone research.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Akhter
- Creighton University Osteoporosis Research Center, Omaha, NE, United States of America.
| | - R R Recker
- Creighton University Osteoporosis Research Center, Omaha, NE, United States of America
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Rivera-Quiroz FA, Petcharad B, Miller JA. First records and three new species of the family Symphytognathidae (Arachnida, Araneae) from Thailand, and the circumscription of the genus Crassignatha Wunderlich, 1995. Zookeys 2021; 1012:21-53. [PMID: 33584107 PMCID: PMC7854560 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1012.57047] [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: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The family Symphytognathidae is reported from Thailand for the first time. Three new species: Anapistula choojaiae sp. nov., Crassignatha seeliam sp. nov., and Crassignatha seedam sp. nov. are described and illustrated. Distribution is expanded and additional morphological data are reported for Patu shiluensis Lin & Li, 2009. Specimens were collected in Thailand between July and August 2018. The newly described species were found in the north mountainous region of Chiang Mai, and Patu shiluensis was collected in the coastal region of Phuket. DNA sequences are provided for all the species here studied. The relations of these symphytognathid species were tested using previously published phylogenetic analyses on micro orb-weavers. Also, we used micro CT analysis to build 3D models of the male genitalia and somatic characters of two species of Crassignatha Wunderlich, 1995. The molecular phylogeny and 3D models were used to discuss the taxonomy and circumscription of the currently valid symphytognathid genera, with focus on Crassignatha and Patu Marples, 1951. Based on this, three new combinations are suggested: Crassignatha bicorniventris (Lin & Li, 2009), comb. nov., Crassignatha quadriventris (Lin & Li, 2009), comb. nov., and Crassignatha spinathoraxi (Lin & Li, 2009), comb. nov. A new record of Crassignatha danaugirangensisMiller et al. 2014 is reported from Brunei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Andres Rivera-Quiroz
- Department of Terrestrial Zoology, Understanding Evolution group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333CR Leiden, the NetherlandsNaturalis Biodiversity CenterLeidenNetherlands
- Institute for Biology Leiden (IBL), Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333BE Leiden, the NetherlandsLeiden UniversityLeidenNetherlands
| | - Booppa Petcharad
- Institute for Biology Leiden (IBL), Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333BE Leiden, the NetherlandsLeiden UniversityLeidenNetherlands
| | - Jeremy A. Miller
- Department of Terrestrial Zoology, Understanding Evolution group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2333CR Leiden, the NetherlandsNaturalis Biodiversity CenterLeidenNetherlands
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Using micro-computed tomography to reveal the anatomy of adult Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Insecta: Hemiptera, Liviidae) and how it pierces and feeds within a citrus leaf. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1358. [PMID: 33446699 PMCID: PMC7809155 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80404-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, is a harmful pest of citrus trees that transmits Candidatus Liberibacter spp. which causes Huanglongbing (HLB) (citrus greening disease); this is considered to be the most serious bacterial disease of citrus plants. Here we detail an anatomical study of the external and internal anatomy (excluding the reproductive system) using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). This is the first complete 3D micro-CT reconstruction of the anatomy of a psylloid insect and includes a 3D reconstruction of an adult feeding on a citrus leaf that can be used on mobile devices. Detailed rendered images and videos support first descriptions of coxal and scapus antennal glands and sexual differences in the internal anatomy (hindgut rectum, mesothoracic ganglion and brain). This represents a significant advance in our knowledge of ACP anatomy, and of psyllids in general. Together the images, videos and 3D model constitute a unique anatomical atlas and are useful tools for future research and as teaching aids.
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Hilken G, Rosenberg J, Edgecombe GD, Blüml V, Hammel JU, Hasenberg A, Sombke A. The tracheal system of scutigeromorph centipedes and the evolution of respiratory systems of myriapods. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2021; 60:101006. [PMID: 33246291 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2020.101006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The tracheal system of scutigeromorph centipedes (Chilopoda) is special, as it consists of dorsally arranged unpaired spiracles. In this study, we investigate the tracheal systems of five different scutigeromorph species. They are strikingly similar to each other but depict unique characters compared to the tracheal systems of pleurostigmophoran centipedes, which has engendered an ongoing debate over a single versus independent origin of tracheal systems in Chilopoda. Up to now, only the respiratory system of Scutigera coleoptrata was investigated intensively using LM-, TEM-, and SEM-techniques. We supplement this with data for species from all three families of Scutigeromorpha. These reveal interspecific differences in atrial width and the shape and branching pattern of the tracheal tubules. Further, we investigated the tracheal system of Scutigera coleoptrata with three additional techniques: light sheet microscopy, microCT and synchrotron radiation based microCT analysis. This set of techniques allows a comparison between fresh versus fixed and dried material. The question of a unique vs. multiple origin of tracheal systems in centipedes and in Myriapoda as a whole is discussed with regard to their structural similarities and differences and the presence of hemocyanin as an oxygen carrier. We used morphological and molecular data and the fossil record to evaluate the alternative hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gero Hilken
- Central Animal Laboratory, University Clinic, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122, Essen, Germany.
| | | | - Gregory D Edgecombe
- Department of Earth Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
| | - Valentin Blüml
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Integrative Zoology, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jörg U Hammel
- X-ray Imaging with Synchrotron Radiation, Helmholz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Institute of Materials Research, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Anja Hasenberg
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Clinic, University Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 2, 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Andy Sombke
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Integrative Zoology, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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29
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Schoborg TA. Whole Animal Imaging of Drosophila melanogaster using Microcomputed Tomography. J Vis Exp 2020. [PMID: 32955492 DOI: 10.3791/61515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomedical imaging tools permit investigation of molecular mechanisms across spatial scales, from genes to organisms. Drosophila melanogaster, a well-characterized model organism, has benefited from the use of light and electron microscopy to understand gene function at the level of cells and tissues. The application of imaging platforms that allow for an understanding of gene function at the level of the entire intact organism would further enhance our knowledge of genetic mechanisms. Here a whole animal imaging method is presented that outlines the steps needed to visualize Drosophila at any developmental stage using microcomputed tomography (µ-CT). The advantages of µ-CT include commercially available instrumentation and minimal hands-on time to produce accurate 3D information at micron-level resolution without the need for tissue dissection or clearing methods. Paired with software that accelerate image analysis and 3D rendering, detailed morphometric analysis of any tissue or organ system can be performed to better understand mechanisms of development, physiology, and anatomy for both descriptive and hypothesis testing studies. By utilizing an imaging workflow that incorporates the use of electron microscopy, light microscopy, and µ-CT, a thorough evaluation of gene function can be performed, thus furthering the usefulness of this powerful model organism.
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Oviedo‐Diego MA, Mattoni CI, Vrech DE, Michalik P, Peretti AV. The morphology of mating plugs and its formation in scorpions: Implications for intersexual participation. J Morphol 2020; 281:620-635. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariela A. Oviedo‐Diego
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales, Departamento de Diversidad Biológica y Ecología Córdoba Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Evolución Córdoba Argentina
| | - Camilo I. Mattoni
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales, Departamento de Diversidad Biológica y Ecología Córdoba Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Evolución Córdoba Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Físicas y Naturales, Departamento de Diversidad Biológica y Ecología Córdoba Argentina
| | - David E. Vrech
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales, Departamento de Diversidad Biológica y Ecología Córdoba Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Evolución Córdoba Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Físicas y Naturales, Departamento de Diversidad Biológica y Ecología Córdoba Argentina
| | - Peter Michalik
- Zoological Institute and Museum, Universität Greifswald Greifswald Germany
| | - Alfredo V. Peretti
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales, Departamento de Diversidad Biológica y Ecología Córdoba Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Laboratorio de Biología Reproductiva y Evolución Córdoba Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), Físicas y Naturales, Departamento de Diversidad Biológica y Ecología Córdoba Argentina
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31
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Martin ML, Travouillon KJ, Fleming PA, Warburton NM. Review of the methods used for calculating physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) for ecological questions. J Morphol 2020; 281:778-789. [PMID: 32374505 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This review examines literature that used physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) as a representative measure of an individual muscle's maximal isometric force production. PCSA is used to understand the muscle architecture and how a trade-off between muscle force and muscle contractile velocity reflect adaptations of the musculoskeletal system as a reflection of functional demands. Over the decades, methods have been developed to measure muscle volume, fascicle lengths, and pennation angle to calculate PCSA. The advantages and limitations of these methods (especially the inclusion/elimination of pennation angle) are discussed frequently; however, these method descriptions are scattered throughout the literature. Here, we reviewed and summarised the different approaches to collecting and recording muscle architectural properties to subsequently calculate PCSA. By critically discussing the advantages and limitations of each methodology, we aim to provide readers with an overview of repeatable methods to assess muscle architecture. This review may serve as a guide to facilitate readers searching for the appropriate techniques to calculate PCSA and measure muscle architecture to be applied in ecomorphology research. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Discuss the theories behind PCSA in a synthesised review to inform researchers about PCSA methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg L Martin
- Environmental and Conservational Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
| | - Kenny J Travouillon
- Department of Terrestrial Zoology, Western Australian Museum, Welshpool, Australia
| | - Patricia A Fleming
- Environmental and Conservational Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
| | - Natalie M Warburton
- Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
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Alba-Alejandre I, Alba-Tercedor J, Hunter WB. Anatomical study of the female reproductive system and bacteriome of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, (Insecta: Hemiptera, Liviidae) using micro-computed tomography. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7161. [PMID: 32346040 PMCID: PMC7189384 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64132-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Huanglongbing (HLB) (citrus greening disease) is one of the most serious bacterial diseases of citrus. It is caused by (1) Candidatus Liberibacter africanus, transmitted by Trioza erytreae and (2) C.L. asiaticus and C.L. americanus, transmitted by Diaphorina citri. As part of a multidisciplinary project on D. citri (www.citrusgreening.org), we made a detailed study, using micro-computed tomography, of the female abdominal terminalia, reproductive system (ovaries, accessory glands, spermatheca, colleterial (= cement) gland, connecting ducts, and ovipositor) and bacteriome, which we present here. New terms and structures are introduced and described, particularly concerning the spermatheca, ovipositor and bacteriome. The quality of images and bacteriome reconstructions are comparable, or clearer, than those previously published using a synchrotron or fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). This study: reviews knowledge of the female reproductive system and bacteriome organ in D. citri; represents the first detailed morphological study of D. citri to use micro-CT; and extensively revises existing morphological information relevant to psylloids, hemipterans and insects in general. High quality images and supplementary videos represent a significant advance in knowledge of psylloid anatomy and are useful tools for future research and as educational aids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Alba-Alejandre
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Campus de Fuentenueva, Granada, Spain.
| | - Javier Alba-Tercedor
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Campus de Fuentenueva, Granada, Spain.
| | - Wayne B Hunter
- U.S. Department Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
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Ferstl S, Schwaha T, Ruthensteiner B, Hehn L, Allner S, Müller M, Dierolf M, Achterhold K, Pfeiffer F. Nanoscopic X-ray tomography for correlative microscopy of a small meiofaunal sea-cucumber. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3960. [PMID: 32127610 PMCID: PMC7054411 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60977-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In the field of correlative microscopy, light and electron microscopy form a powerful combination for morphological analyses in zoology. Due to sample thickness limitations, these imaging techniques often require sectioning to investigate small animals and thereby suffer from various artefacts. A recently introduced nanoscopic X-ray computed tomography (NanoCT) setup has been used to image several biological objects, none that were, however, embedded into resin, which is prerequisite for a multitude of correlative applications. In this study, we assess the value of this NanoCT for correlative microscopy. For this purpose, we imaged a resin-embedded, meiofaunal sea cucumber with an approximate length of 1 mm, where microCT would yield only little information about the internal anatomy. The resulting NanoCT data exhibits isotropic 3D resolution, offers deeper insights into the 3D microstructure, and thereby allows for a complete morphological characterization. For comparative purposes, the specimen was sectioned subsequently to evaluate the NanoCT data versus serial sectioning light microscopy (ss-LM). To correct for mechanical instabilities and drift artefacts, we applied an alternative alignment procedure for CT reconstruction. We thereby achieve a level of detail on the subcellular scale comparable to ss-LM images in the sectioning plane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Ferstl
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics and Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany.
| | - Thomas Schwaha
- Department of Integrative Zoology, University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Lorenz Hehn
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics and Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Sebastian Allner
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics and Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Mark Müller
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics and Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Martin Dierolf
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics and Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Klaus Achterhold
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics and Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Franz Pfeiffer
- Chair of Biomedical Physics, Department of Physics and Munich School of BioEngineering, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, School of Medicine and Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
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Steinhoff POM, Uhl G, Harzsch S, Sombke A. Visual pathways in the brain of the jumping spider Marpissa muscosa. J Comp Neurol 2020; 528:1883-1902. [PMID: 31960432 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Some animals have evolved task differentiation among their eyes. A particular example is spiders, where most species have eight eyes, of which two (the principal eyes) are used for object discrimination, whereas the other three pairs (secondary eyes) detect movement. In the ctenid spider Cupiennius salei, these two eye types correspond to two visual pathways in the brain. Each eye is associated with its own first- and second-order visual neuropil. The second-order neuropils of the principal eyes are connected to the arcuate body, whereas the second-order neuropils of the secondary eyes are linked to the mushroom body. We explored the principal- and secondary eye visual pathways of the jumping spider Marpissa muscosa, in which size and visual fields of the two eye types are considerably different. We found that the connectivity of the principal eye pathway is the same as in C. salei, while there are differences in the secondary eye pathways. In M. muscosa, all secondary eyes are connected to their own first-order visual neuropils. The first-order visual neuropils of the anterior lateral and posterior lateral eyes are connected with a second-order visual neuropil each and an additional shared one (L2). In the posterior median eyes, the axons of their first-order visual neuropils project directly to the arcuate body, suggesting that the posterior median eyes do not detect movement. The L2 might function as an upstream integration center enabling faster movement decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip O M Steinhoff
- General and Systematic Zoology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Gabriele Uhl
- General and Systematic Zoology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Steffen Harzsch
- Cytology and Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Andy Sombke
- Department of Integrative Zoology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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35
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Taylor GJ, Hall SA, Gren JA, Baird E. Exploring the visual world of fossilized and modern fungus gnat eyes (Diptera: Keroplatidae) with X-ray microtomography. J R Soc Interface 2020; 17:20190750. [PMID: 32019468 PMCID: PMC7061697 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2019.0750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal eyes typically possess specialized regions for guiding different behavioural tasks within their specific visual habitat. These specializations, and evolutionary changes to them, can be crucial for understanding an animal's ecology. Here, we explore how the visual systems of some of the smallest flying insects, fungus gnats, have adapted to different types of forest habitat over time (approx. 30 Myr to today). Unravelling how behavioural, environmental and phylogenetic factors influence the evolution of visual specializations is difficult, however, because standard quantitative techniques often require fresh tissue and/or provide data in eye-centric coordinates that prevent reliable comparisons between species with different eye morphologies. Here, we quantify the visual world of three gnats from different time periods and habitats using X-ray microtomography to create high-resolution three-dimensional models of the compound eyes of specimens in different preservation states—fossilized in amber, dried or stored in ethanol. We present a method for analysing the geometric details of individual corneal facets and for estimating and comparing the sensitivity, spatial resolution and field of view of species across geographical space and evolutionary time. Our results indicate that, despite their miniature size, fungus gnats do have variations in visual properties across their eyes. We also find some indication that these visual specializations vary across species and may represent adaptations to their different forest habitats. Overall, the findings demonstrate how such investigations can be used to study the evolution of visual specializations—and sensory ecology in general—across a range of insect taxa from different geographical locations and across time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen A Hall
- Division of Solid Mechanics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Johan A Gren
- Department of Geology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Emily Baird
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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Abstract
Micro-computed X-ray tomography (μCT) coupled with visualization techniques such as three-dimensional reconstruction of internal morphological structures has opened up new pathways for analyzing the anatomy of nervous systems in intact specimens. The possibility for combining μCT with other techniques is one of the major advantages of μCT scanning, and the technical development of higher resolutions in lab-based μCT-scanners allows for investigating the anatomy of specimens in the sub-milimeter range. The European shore crab Carcinus maenas features a larval development over four zoeal and one megalopal stage with body lengths ranging from 500 μm to 2000 μm. The developing nervous system in the larvae of C. maenas is organized into a central brain which is connected via esophageal connectives with a ventral nerve chord and segmental ganglia. Since soft tissues such as the nervous tissues feature low contrasts compared to other tissues such as muscles or cuticularized body parts, the interpretation in μCT scans is challenging and needs some practice. The protocol described here is also applicable for larger specimens of a variety of species and spans over 2-3 days resulting in an image stack ready for postprocessing and visualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Krieger
- Department of Cytology and Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Franziska Spitzner
- Department of Cytology and Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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Krieger J, Hörnig MK, Sandeman RE, Sandeman DC, Harzsch S. Masters of communication: The brain of the banded cleaner shrimp Stenopus hispidus (Olivier, 1811) with an emphasis on sensory processing areas. J Comp Neurol 2019; 528:1561-1587. [PMID: 31792962 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The pan-tropic cleaner shrimp Stenopus hispidus (Crustacea, Stenopodidea) is famous for its specific cleaning behavior in association with client fish and an exclusively monogamous life-style. Cleaner shrimps feature a broad communicative repertoire, which is considered to depend on superb motor skills and the underlying mechanosensory circuits in combination with sensory organs. Their most prominent head appendages are the two pairs of very long biramous antennules and antennae, which are used both for attracting client fish and for intraspecific communication. Here, we studied the brain anatomy of several specimens of S. hispidus using histological sections, immunohistochemical labeling as well as X-ray microtomography in combination with 3D reconstructions. Furthermore, we investigated the morphology of antennules and antennae using fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. Our analyses show that in addition to the complex organization of the multimodal processing centers, especially chemomechanosensory neuropils associated with the antennule and antenna are markedly pronounced when compared to the other neuropils of the central brain. We suggest that in their brains, three topographic maps are present corresponding to the sensory appendages. The brain areas which provide the neuronal substrate for these maps share distinct structural similarities to a unique extent in decapods, such as size and characteristic striated and perpendicular layering. We discuss our findings with respect to the sensory landscape within animal's habitat. In an evolutionary perspective, the cleaner shrimp's brain is an excellent example of how sensory potential and functional demands shape the architecture of primary chemomechanosensory processing areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Krieger
- University of Greifswald, Zoological Institute and Museum, Cytology and Evolutionary Biology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Marie K Hörnig
- University of Greifswald, Zoological Institute and Museum, Cytology and Evolutionary Biology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Renate E Sandeman
- University of Greifswald, Zoological Institute and Museum, Cytology and Evolutionary Biology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - David C Sandeman
- University of Greifswald, Zoological Institute and Museum, Cytology and Evolutionary Biology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Steffen Harzsch
- University of Greifswald, Zoological Institute and Museum, Cytology and Evolutionary Biology, Greifswald, Germany
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Schoborg TA, Smith SL, Smith LN, Morris HD, Rusan NM. Micro-computed tomography as a platform for exploring Drosophila development. Development 2019; 146:dev.176685. [PMID: 31722883 DOI: 10.1242/dev.176685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how events at the molecular and cellular scales contribute to tissue form and function is key to uncovering the mechanisms driving animal development, physiology and disease. Elucidating these mechanisms has been enhanced through the study of model organisms and the use of sophisticated genetic, biochemical and imaging tools. Here, we present an accessible method for non-invasive imaging of Drosophila melanogaster at high resolution using micro-computed tomography (µ-CT). We show how rapid processing of intact animals, at any developmental stage, provides precise quantitative assessment of tissue size and morphology, and permits analysis of inter-organ relationships. We then use µ-CT imaging to study growth defects in the Drosophila brain through the characterization of a bnormal spindle (asp) and WD repeat domain 62 (W dr62), orthologs of the two most commonly mutated genes in human microcephaly patients. Our work demonstrates the power of combining µ-CT with traditional genetic, cellular and developmental biology tools available in model organisms to address novel biological mechanisms that control animal development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd A Schoborg
- Cell Biology and Physiology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Samantha L Smith
- Cell Biology and Physiology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lauren N Smith
- Cell Biology and Physiology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - H Douglas Morris
- Mouse Imaging Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nasser M Rusan
- Cell Biology and Physiology Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Udagawa S, Miyara K, Takekata H, Takeuchi Y, Takemura A. Investigation on the validity of 3D micro-CT imaging in the fish brain. J Neurosci Methods 2019; 328:108416. [PMID: 31472188 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Micro-computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive technique that is used to obtain three-dimensional (3D) images of tissue structure in small animals. Compared with extensive mammal studies, few 3D imaging studies of fish have been conducted using micro-CT. An optimized method for imaging fish tissue structure is necessary, because they have adapted to diverse environments via functional and structural specialization. NEW METHOD Brains of three species with different sizes and habitats were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and immersed in non-ionic iodinated contrast agent (Iopamiron). We examined the relationship between Iopamiron concentration and immersion time to determine universally optimal conditions for use in fish. RESULTS We reconstructed 3D images of whole fish brains from cross-sections of brains from the Malabar grouper (Epinephelus malabaricus), bastard halibut (Paralichthys olivaceus), and threespot wrasse (Halichoeres trimaculatus). Developmental changes in brain structure were observed in the bastard halibut. Most brain regions of the threespot wrasse were distinguishable, although inner regions of the brain were less visible. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Histological techniques are typically used to observe fish brain structure, despite its drawbacks in terms of tissue sample preparation (shrinkage and distortion) and image capture (3D image constriction). The technique examined in the present study solves these problems and allows for the simultaneous handling of multiple specimens. CONCLUSION Micro-CT imaging is suitable for observing the surfaces and inner structures of fish of various species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Udagawa
- Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Keitaro Miyara
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Hiroki Takekata
- Organization for Research Promotion, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Yuki Takeuchi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan; Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1, Onna, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Akihiro Takemura
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan.
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Dias CSB, Neto DPA, Baraldi GL, Fonseca MDC. Comparative analysis of sample preparation protocols of soft biological tissues for morphometric studies using synchrotron-based X-ray microtomography. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2019; 26:2013-2023. [PMID: 31721746 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577519011299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The spread of microtomography as a tool for visualization of soft tissues has had a significant impact on a better understanding of complex biological systems. This technique allows a detailed three-dimensional quantitative view of the specimen to be obtained, correlating its morphological organization with its function, providing valuable insights on the functionality of the tissue. Regularly overlooked, but of great importance, proper sample mounting and preparation are fundamental for achieving the highest possible image quality even for the high-resolution imaging systems currently under development. Here, a quantitative analysis compares some of the most common sample-mounting strategies used for synchrotron-based X-ray microtomography of soft tissues: alcoholic-immersion, paraffin-embedding and critical-point drying. These three distinct sample-mounting strategies were performed on the same specimen in order to investigate their impact on sample morphology regardless of individual sample variation. In that sense, the alcoholic-immersion strategy, although causing less shrinkage to the tissue, proved to be the most unsuitable approach for a high-throughput high-resolution imaging experiment due to sample drifting. Also, critical-point drying may present some interesting advantages regarding image quality but is also incompatible with a high-throughput experiment. Lastly, paraffin-embedding is shown to be the most suitable strategy for current soft tissue microtomography experiments. Such detailed analysis of biological sample-mounting strategies for synchrotron-based X-ray microtomography are expected to offer valuable insights on the best approach for using this technique for 3D imaging of soft tissues and following morphometric analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Sato Baraldi Dias
- Brazilian Synchrotron Light National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Giuseppe Maximo Scolfaro 10000, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Dionísio Pedro Amorim Neto
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Giuseppe Maximo Scolfaro 10000, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Giovanni Lenzi Baraldi
- Brazilian Synchrotron Light National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Giuseppe Maximo Scolfaro 10000, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Matheus de Castro Fonseca
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Giuseppe Maximo Scolfaro 10000, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
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Sumner-Rooney L, Kenny NJ, Ahmed F, Williams ST. The utility of micro-computed tomography for the non-destructive study of eye microstructure in snails. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15411. [PMID: 31659206 PMCID: PMC6817935 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51909-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Molluscan eyes exhibit an enormous range of morphological variation, ranging from tiny pigment-cup eyes in limpets, compound eyes in ark clams and pinhole eyes in Nautilus, through to concave mirror eyes in scallops and the large camera-type eyes of the more derived cephalopods. Here we assess the potential of non-destructive micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) for investigating the anatomy of molluscan eyes in three species of the family Solariellidae, a group of small, deep-sea gastropods. We compare our results directly with those from traditional histological methods applied to the same specimens, and show not only that eye microstructure can be visualised in sufficient detail for meaningful comparison even in very small animals, but also that μ-CT can provide additional insight into gross neuroanatomy without damaging rare and precious specimens. Data from μ-CT scans also show that neurological innervation of eyes is reduced in dark-adapted snails when compared with the innervation of cephalic tentacles, which are involved in mechanoreception and possibly chemoreception. Molecular tests also show that the use of µ-CT and phosphotungstic acid stain do not prevent successful downstream DNA extraction, PCR amplification or sequencing. The use of µ-CT methods is therefore highly recommended for the investigation of difficult-to-collect or unique specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Farah Ahmed
- Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, UK
- Exponent International Ltd, London, UK
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Parapar J, Permuy I, Candás M, Cunha-Veira X, Zamora JL, Moreira J. Estudio microtomográfico de la anatomía de Laubieriopsis cabiochi (Amoureux, 1982) (Annelida, Fauveliopsidae). GRAELLSIA 2019. [DOI: 10.3989/graellsia.2019.v75.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
La Microtomografía Computarizada (micro-CT o μCT) es una técnica de estudio microestructural, no destructiva, que permite estudiar la anatomía interna y externa de muestras biológicas, y realizar su reconstrucción a través de un modelo virtual en tres dimensiones. En los últimos años esta técnica está aportando avances significativos en el conocimiento anatómico de diversos invertebrados marinos. En este trabajo se estudia la anatomía externa e interna de Laubieriopsis cabiochi (Amoureux, 1982) (Annelida, Fauveliopsidae) y paralelamente se valora la calidad de las imágenes de μCT frente a las obtenidas en estudios previos mediante métodos histológicos clásicos.
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Gadenne C, Groh C, Grübel K, Joschinski J, Krauss J, Krieger J, Rössler W, Anton S. Neuroanatomical correlates of mobility: Sensory brain centres are bigger in winged than in wingless parthenogenetic pea aphid females. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2019; 52:100883. [PMID: 31568972 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2019.100883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Many aphid species reproduce parthenogenetically throughout most of the year, with individuals having identical genomes. Nevertheless, aphid clones display a marked polyphenism with associated behavioural differences. Pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum), when crowded, produce winged individuals, which have a larger dispersal range than wingless individuals. We examined here if brain structures linked to primary sensory processing and high-order motor control change in size as a function of wing polyphenism. Using micro-computing tomography (micro-CT) scans and immunocytochemical staining with anti-synapsin antibody, we reconstructed primary visual (optic lobes) and olfactory (antennal lobes) neuropils, together with the central body of winged and wingless parthenogenetic females of A. pisum for volume measurements. Absolute neuropil volumes were generally bigger in anti-synapsin labelled brains compared to micro-CT scans. This is potentially due to differences in rearing conditions of the used aphids. Independent of the method used, however, winged females consistently had larger antennal lobes and optic lobes than wingless females in spite of a larger overall body size of wingless compared to winged females. The volume of the central body, on the other hand was not significantly different between the two morphs. The larger primary sensory centres in winged aphids might thus provide the neuronal substrate for processing different environmental information due to the increased mobility during flight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Gadenne
- UMR IGEPP INRA/Agrocampus Ouest/Université Rennes 1, Agrocampus Ouest, 2 rue le Nôtre, 49045 Angers, France
| | - Claudia Groh
- Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology (Zoology II), Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kornelia Grübel
- Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology (Zoology II), Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jens Joschinski
- Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology (Zoology III), Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jochen Krauss
- Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology (Zoology III), Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Krieger
- Cytology and Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Soldmannstrasse 23, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Rössler
- Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology (Zoology II), Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sylvia Anton
- UMR IGEPP INRA/Agrocampus Ouest/Université Rennes 1, Agrocampus Ouest, 2 rue le Nôtre, 49045 Angers, France.
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Machon J, Krieger J, Meth R, Zbinden M, Ravaux J, Montagné N, Chertemps T, Harzsch S. Neuroanatomy of a hydrothermal vent shrimp provides insights into the evolution of crustacean integrative brain centers. eLife 2019; 8:e47550. [PMID: 31383255 PMCID: PMC6684273 DOI: 10.7554/elife.47550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alvinocaridid shrimps are emblematic representatives of the deep hydrothermal vent fauna at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. They are adapted to a mostly aphotic habitat with extreme physicochemical conditions in the vicinity of the hydrothermal fluid emissions. Here, we investigated the brain architecture of the vent shrimp Rimicaris exoculata to understand possible adaptations of its nervous system to the hydrothermal sensory landscape. Its brain is modified from the crustacean brain ground pattern by featuring relatively small visual and olfactory neuropils that contrast with well-developed higher integrative centers, the hemiellipsoid bodies. We propose that these structures in vent shrimps may fulfill functions in addition to higher order sensory processing and suggest a role in place memory. Our study promotes vent shrimps as fascinating models to gain insights into sensory adaptations to peculiar environmental conditions, and the evolutionary transformation of specific brain areas in Crustacea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Machon
- Sorbonne Université, UMR CNRS MNHN 7208 Biologie des organismes et écosystèmes aquatiques (BOREA), Equipe Adaptation aux Milieux ExtrêmesParisFrance
| | - Jakob Krieger
- Department of Cytology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of Greifswald, Zoological Institute and MuseumGreifswaldGermany
| | - Rebecca Meth
- Department of Cytology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of Greifswald, Zoological Institute and MuseumGreifswaldGermany
| | - Magali Zbinden
- Sorbonne Université, UMR CNRS MNHN 7208 Biologie des organismes et écosystèmes aquatiques (BOREA), Equipe Adaptation aux Milieux ExtrêmesParisFrance
| | - Juliette Ravaux
- Sorbonne Université, UMR CNRS MNHN 7208 Biologie des organismes et écosystèmes aquatiques (BOREA), Equipe Adaptation aux Milieux ExtrêmesParisFrance
| | - Nicolas Montagné
- Sorbonne Université, UPEC, Univ Paris Diderot, CNRS, INRA, IRD, Institute of Ecology & Environmental Sciences of Paris (iEES-Paris)ParisFrance
| | - Thomas Chertemps
- Sorbonne Université, UPEC, Univ Paris Diderot, CNRS, INRA, IRD, Institute of Ecology & Environmental Sciences of Paris (iEES-Paris)ParisFrance
| | - Steffen Harzsch
- Department of Cytology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of Greifswald, Zoological Institute and MuseumGreifswaldGermany
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Sombke A, Klann AE, Lipke E, Wolf H. Primary processing neuropils associated with the malleoli of camel spiders (Arachnida, Solifugae): a re-evaluation of axonal pathways. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2019; 5:26. [PMID: 31388441 PMCID: PMC6679463 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-019-0137-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arachnids possess highly specialized and unorthodox sense organs, such as the unique pectines of Scorpiones and the malleoli of Solifugae. While the external morphology, numbers, and shapes of sensory organs are widely used in taxonomic studies, little is known about the internal anatomy of these organs and their associated processing neuropils in the central nervous system. Camel spiders (Solifugae) possess pedipalps and first walking legs heavily endowed with sensory structures, as well as conspicuous malleoli located ventrally on the proximal fourth walking legs. Malleoli are fan-shaped organs that contain tens of thousands of presumptive chemoreceptor neurons, but mechanoreceptive structures are absent. RESULTS Here, we examine the organization of the synganglion based on microCT analysis, 3D reconstruction of serial paraffin sections, and backfill preparations to trace the malleolar pathway. The projection area of malleolar afferents is intriguingly located in the most anterior ventral nerve cord, located in between the pedipalpal neuromere hemispheres. However, malleolar axon bundles are separated by a thin soma layer that points to an anteriad projection of the fourth walking leg neuromere. A conspicuous projection neuron tract that may receive additional input from pedipalpal sensory organs connects the malleolar neuropil with the mushroom bodies in the protocerebrum. CONCLUSION Arthropod chemosensory appendages or organs and primary processing neuropils are typically located in the same segment, which also holds true in Solifugae, although the malleolar neuropil is partially shifted towards the pedipalpal neuromere. A comparison of the malleoli in Solifugae and the pectines in Scorpiones, and of their primary processing neuropils, reveals certain similarities, while striking differences are also evident. Similarities include the ventral arrangement of peg-shaped sensory structures on the respective segmental appendage, exposing dense arrays of chemoreceptive sensilla, and projections to a primary processing neuropil with glomerular subdivision. Differences are, e.g., the lack of mechanoreceptive afferents and an associated processing neuropil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Sombke
- University of Vienna, Department of Integrative Zoology, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja E. Klann
- Department of Forensic Molecular Genetics, University Medicine Greifswald, Institute of Legal Medicine, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Lipke
- German Air Force Center of Aerospace Medicine, 82256 Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany
| | - Harald Wolf
- Wallenberg Research Centre, Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, 10 Marais Street, Stellenbosch, 7600 South Africa
- Present address: Institut für Neurobiologie, Universität Ulm, 89069 Ulm, Germany
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Wittfoth C, Harzsch S, Wolff C, Sombke A. The "amphi"-brains of amphipods: new insights from the neuroanatomy of Parhyale hawaiensis (Dana, 1853). Front Zool 2019; 16:30. [PMID: 31372174 PMCID: PMC6660712 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-019-0330-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last years, the amphipod crustacean Parhyale hawaiensis has developed into an attractive marine animal model for evolutionary developmental studies that offers several advantages over existing experimental organisms. It is easy to rear in laboratory conditions with embryos available year-round and amenable to numerous kinds of embryological and functional genetic manipulations. However, beyond these developmental and genetic analyses, research on the architecture of its nervous system is fragmentary. In order to provide a first neuroanatomical atlas of the brain, we investigated P. hawaiensis using immunohistochemical labelings combined with laser-scanning microscopy, X-ray microcomputed tomography, histological sectioning and 3D reconstructions. RESULTS As in most amphipod crustaceans, the brain is dorsally bent out of the body axis with downward oriented lateral hemispheres of the protocerebrum. It comprises almost all prominent neuropils that are part of the suggested ground pattern of malacostracan crustaceans (except the lobula plate and projection neuron tract neuropil). Beyond a general uniformity of these neuropils, the brain of P. hawaiensis is characterized by an elaborated central complex and a modified lamina (first order visual neuropil), which displays a chambered appearance. In the light of a recent analysis on photoreceptor projections in P. hawaiensis, the observed architecture of the lamina corresponds to specialized photoreceptor terminals. Furthermore, in contrast to previous descriptions of amphipod brains, we suggest the presence of a poorly differentiated hemiellipsoid body and an inner chiasm and critically discuss these aspects. CONCLUSIONS Despite a general uniformity of amphipod brains, there is also a certain degree of variability in architecture and size of different neuropils, reflecting various ecologies and life styles of different species. In contrast to other amphipods, the brain of P. hawaiensis does not display any striking modifications or bias towards processing one particular sensory modality. Thus, we conclude that this brain represents a common type of an amphipod brain. Considering various established protocols for analyzing and manipulating P. hawaiensis, this organism is a suitable model to gain deeper understanding of brain anatomy e.g. by using connectome approaches, and this study can serve as first solid basis for following studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Wittfoth
- Department of Cytology and Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Soldmannstr. 23, 17487 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Steffen Harzsch
- Department of Cytology and Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Soldmannstr. 23, 17487 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Carsten Wolff
- Department of Biology, Comparative Zoology, Humboldt University Berlin, Philippstr. 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andy Sombke
- Department of Integrative Zoology, University of Vienna, Althanstr. 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Parapar J, Caramelo C, Candás M, Cunha-Veira X, Moreira J. An integrative approach to the anatomy of Syllis gracilis Grube, 1840 (Annelida) using micro-computed X-ray tomography. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7251. [PMID: 31328035 PMCID: PMC6622173 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The overall anatomy of the genus Syllis (Annelida: Syllidae) has been largely studied; however, an integrative approach considering different anatomical techniques has never been considered. Here, we use micro-computed X-ray tomography (micro-CT) to examine the internal anatomy of Syllis gracilis Grube, 1840, along with other widely available techniques. METHODS We studied the anatomy of the marine annelid S. gracilis through an integrative approach, including micro-CT along with stereo and light compound microscopy (STM, LCM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and histological sectioning (HIS). In this manner, we evaluated the applicability of micro-CT for the examination of annelid anatomy by testing whether the images obtained make it possible to visualize the main body structures, in comparison with other current techniques, of the various elements of its internal anatomy. RESULTS Overall external and internal body elements are clearly shown by the integrative use of all techniques, thus overcoming the limitations of each when studied separately.Any given method shows disparate results, depending on the body part considered. For instance, micro-CT provided good images of the external anatomy, including relevant characters such as the shape, length and number of articles of dorsal parapodial cirri. However, it is especially useful for the examination of internal anatomy, thus allowing for 3D visualization of the natural spatial arrangement of the different organs. The features best visualized are those of higher tissue density (i.e., body musculature, anterior parts of the digestive tract), particularly in 3D images of unstained specimens, whereas less electrodense tissues (i.e., the peritoneal lining of septa and nervous system) are less clearly visualized. The use of iodine stain with micro-CT has shown advantages against non-staining for the adequate observation of delicate elements of low density, such as the segmental organs, the connective between the ganglia, the ventral nerve cord and segmental nerves. DISCUSSION Main external anatomical elements of S. gracilis are well shown with micro-CT, but images show lesser optical resolution and contrast when compared to micrographs provided by SEM and CLSM, especially for fine structural features of chaetae. Comparison of micro-CT and HIS images revealed the utility and reliability of the former to show the presence, shape and spatial disposition of most internal body organs; the resolution of micro-CT images at a cellular level is, however, much lower than that of HIS, which makes both techniques complementary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Parapar
- Departamento de Bioloxía, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Carlos Caramelo
- Departamento de Bioloxía, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - María Candás
- Estación de Bioloxía Mariña da Graña, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Ferrol, Spain
| | - Xela Cunha-Veira
- Estación de Bioloxía Mariña da Graña, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Ferrol, Spain
| | - Juan Moreira
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Lehmann T, Melzer RR. The visual system of Thelyphonida (whip scorpions): Support for Arachnopulmonata. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2019; 51:23-31. [PMID: 31176004 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Only a few studies have examined the central visual system of Thelyphonida (whip scorpions) until now. To obtain new insights suitable for phylogenetic analysis we studied the axonal trajectories and neuropil architecture of the central visual systems of two whip scorpion species (Mastigoproctus giganteus and Typopeltis dalyi) with different neuroanatomical techniques (Cobalt fills, Wigglesworth stains, and μCT). The central visual system of whip scorpion comprises one pair of median eyes and one pair of lateral eye triplets. The R-cells (or retinula cells) of both eye types each terminate in a first and a second visual neuropil. Furthermore, a few R-cell fibres from the median eyes leave the second median eye visual neuropil and terminate in the second and the first lateral eye neuropil. This means R-cell terminals from the lateral eyes and the median eyes overlap here. Additionally, the arcuate body and mushroom bodies are described. A detailed comparison of our findings with previously studied chelicerate central visual systems seems to support a monophyly of Arachnopulmonata, i.e. a clade comprising Tetrapulmonata (Thelyphonida, Schizomida, Amblypygi, and Araneae) and Scorpions. Furthermore, the architecture of the central visual systems hints at a close evolutionary relationship of Arachnopulmonata and Xiphosura.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Lehmann
- Bavarian State Collection of Zoology - SNSB, Münchhausenstraße 21, 81247, Munich, Germany.
| | - Roland R Melzer
- Bavarian State Collection of Zoology - SNSB, Münchhausenstraße 21, 81247, Munich, Germany; Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Department Biologie II, Großhaderner Straße 2, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; GeoBioCenter(LMU), Richard -Wagner-Str. 10, 80333, Munich, Germany
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Wu Q, Kumar N, Velagala V, Zartman JJ. Tools to reverse-engineer multicellular systems: case studies using the fruit fly. J Biol Eng 2019; 13:33. [PMID: 31049075 PMCID: PMC6480878 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-019-0161-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Reverse-engineering how complex multicellular systems develop and function is a grand challenge for systems bioengineers. This challenge has motivated the creation of a suite of bioengineering tools to develop increasingly quantitative descriptions of multicellular systems. Here, we survey a selection of these tools including microfluidic devices, imaging and computer vision techniques. We provide a selected overview of the emerging cross-talk between engineering methods and quantitative investigations within developmental biology. In particular, the review highlights selected recent examples from the Drosophila system, an excellent platform for understanding the interplay between genetics and biophysics. In sum, the integrative approaches that combine multiple advances in these fields are increasingly necessary to enable a deeper understanding of how to analyze both natural and synthetic multicellular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinfeng Wu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Nilay Kumar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Vijay Velagala
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Jeremiah J. Zartman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
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Lin SW, Lopardo L, Haase M, Uhl G. Taxonomic revision of the dwarf spider genus Shaanxinus Tanasevitch, 2006 (Araneae, Linyphiidae, Erigoninae), with new species from Taiwan and Vietnam. ORG DIVERS EVOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13127-018-00389-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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