1
|
Li R, Zhuang W, Feng X, Zhu X, Hu X. Morphology and molecular phylogeny of three Parasonderia species including a new species (Ciliophora, Plagiopylea). Eur J Protistol 2024; 94:126087. [PMID: 38761673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2024.126087] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Ciliates of the class Plagiopylea play a vital role in various anaerobic environments as consumers of prokaryotes. Yet, the diversity and phylogeny of this group of ciliates, especially marine representatives, remain poorly known. In this study, three Parasonderia species, viz., Parasonderia elongata spec. nov., and the already known P. cyclostoma and P. vestita, discovered in anaerobic sediments from various intertidal zones in China, were investigated based on their living morphology, infraciliature, and small subunit ribosomal rRNA gene sequences. Parasonderia elongata can be recognized by its larger body size, elongated body shape, oval oral opening, number of oral kineties, and significantly shortened leftmost postbuccal polykineties on the cell surface. Improved diagnosis and redescription of P. cyclostoma is provided for the first time, including data on infraciliature and molecular sequence. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the three species cluster together and with the sequence of a Chinese population of P. vestita already present in the GenBank database, forming a robust clade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ran Li
- College of Fisheries, & Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity (Ministry of Education), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Wenbao Zhuang
- College of Fisheries, & Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity (Ministry of Education), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiaochen Feng
- College of Fisheries, & Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity (Ministry of Education), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Zhu
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiaozhong Hu
- College of Fisheries, & Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity (Ministry of Education), Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yarlett N, Jarroll EL, Morada M, Lloyd D. Protists: Eukaryotic single-celled organisms and the functioning of their organelles. Adv Microb Physiol 2024; 84:243-307. [PMID: 38821633 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2024.02.001] [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] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Organelles are membrane bound structures that compartmentalize biochemical and molecular functions. With improved molecular, biochemical and microscopy tools the diversity and function of protistan organelles has increased in recent years, providing a complex panoply of structure/function relationships. This is particularly noticeable with the description of hydrogenosomes, and the diverse array of structures that followed, having hybrid hydrogenosome/mitochondria attributes. These diverse organelles have lost the major, at one time, definitive components of the mitochondrion (tricarboxylic cycle enzymes and cytochromes), however they all contain the machinery for the assembly of Fe-S clusters, which is the single unifying feature they share. The plasticity of organelles, like the mitochondrion, is therefore evident from its ability to lose its identity as an aerobic energy generating powerhouse while retaining key ancestral functions common to both aerobes and anaerobes. It is interesting to note that the apicoplast, a non-photosynthetic plastid that is present in all apicomplexan protozoa, apart from Cryptosporidium and possibly the gregarines, is also the site of Fe-S cluster assembly proteins. It turns out that in Cryptosporidium proteins involved in Fe-S cluster biosynthesis are localized in the mitochondrial remnant organelle termed the mitosome. Hence, different organisms have solved the same problem of packaging a life-requiring set of reactions in different ways, using different ancestral organelles, discarding what is not needed and keeping what is essential. Don't judge an organelle by its cover, more by the things it does, and always be prepared for surprises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Yarlett
- Haskins Laboratories, Pace University, New York, NY, United States; The Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences, Pace University, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Edward L Jarroll
- Department of Biological Sciences, CUNY-Lehman College, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Mary Morada
- Haskins Laboratories, Pace University, New York, NY, United States
| | - David Lloyd
- Schools of Biosciences and Engineering, Cardiff University, Wales, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wu N, Wei L, Zhu Z, Liu Q, Li K, Mao F, Qiao J, Zhao X. Innovative insights into extrachromosomal circular DNAs in gynecologic tumors and reproduction. Protein Cell 2024; 15:6-20. [PMID: 37233789 PMCID: PMC10762679 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad032] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Originating but free from chromosomal DNA, extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) are organized in circular form and have long been found in unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes. Their biogenesis and function are poorly understood as they are characterized by sequence homology with linear DNA, for which few detection methods are available. Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies have revealed that eccDNAs play crucial roles in tumor formation, evolution, and drug resistance as well as aging, genomic diversity, and other biological processes, bringing it back to the research hotspot. Several mechanisms of eccDNA formation have been proposed, including the breakage-fusion-bridge (BFB) and translocation-deletion-amplification models. Gynecologic tumors and disorders of embryonic and fetal development are major threats to human reproductive health. The roles of eccDNAs in these pathological processes have been partially elucidated since the first discovery of eccDNA in pig sperm and the double minutes in ovarian cancer ascites. The present review summarized the research history, biogenesis, and currently available detection and analytical methods for eccDNAs and clarified their functions in gynecologic tumors and reproduction. We also proposed the application of eccDNAs as drug targets and liquid biopsy markers for prenatal diagnosis and the early detection, prognosis, and treatment of gynecologic tumors. This review lays theoretical foundations for future investigations into the complex regulatory networks of eccDNAs in vital physiological and pathological processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ling Wei
- Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Cancer Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhipeng Zhu
- Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Cancer Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Kailong Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Fengbiao Mao
- Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Cancer Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Beijing 100191, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiaolu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bu XL, Zhao WS, Li ZY, Ma HW, Chen YS, Li WX, Zou H, Li M, Wang GT. The energy metabolism of Balantidium polyvacuolum inhabiting the hindgut of Xenocypris davidi. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:624. [PMID: 37858069 PMCID: PMC10588222 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09706-6] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaerobic parasitic ciliates are a specialized group of ciliates that are adapted to anoxic and oxygen-depleted habitats. Among them, Balantidium polyvacuolum, which inhabits the hindgut of Xenocyprinae fishes, has received very limited scientific attention, so the molecular mechanism of its adaptation to the digestive tract microenvironment is still unclear. In this study, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and single-cell transcriptome analysis were used to uncover the metabolism of B. polyvacuolum. Starch granules, endosymbiotic bacteria, and multiple specialized mitochondrion-related organelles (MROs) of various shapes were observed. The MROs may have completely lost the electron transport chain (ETC) complexes I, III, IV, and V and only retained succinate dehydrogenase subunit A (SDHA) of complex II. The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle was also incomplete. It can be inferred that the hypoxic intestinal environment has led to the specialization of the mitochondria in B. polyvacuolum. Moreover, carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), including carbohydrate esterases, enzymes with a carbohydrate-binding module, glycoside hydrolases, and glycosyltransferases, were identified, which may constitute evidence that B. polyvacuolum is able to digest carbohydrates and starch. These findings can improve our knowledge of the energy metabolism and adaptive mechanisms of B. polyvacuolum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia-Lian Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wei-Shan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Zhong-Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hong-Wei Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Yu-Shun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Wen-Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Hong Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Ming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China.
| | - Gui-Tang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Poláková K, Bourland WA, Čepička I. Anaerocyclidiidae fam. nov. (Oligohymenophorea, Scuticociliatia): A newly recognized major lineage of anaerobic ciliates hosting prokaryotic symbionts. Eur J Protistol 2023; 90:126009. [PMID: 37562169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2023.126009] [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: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The research on anaerobic ciliates, to date, has mainly been focused on representatives of obligately anaerobic classes such as Armophorea or Plagiopylea. In this study, we focus on the anaerobic representatives of the subclass Scuticociliatia, members of the class Oligohymenophorea, which is mainly composed of aerobic ciliates. Until now, only a single anaerobic species, Cyclidium porcatum (here transferred to the genus Anaerocyclidium gen. nov.), has been described both molecularly and morphologically. Our broad sampling of anoxic sediments together with cultivation and single cell sequencing approaches have shown that scuticociliates are common and diversified in anoxic environments. Our results show that anaerobic scuticociliates represent a distinctive evolutionary lineage not closely related to the family Cyclidiidae (order Pleuronematida), as previously suggested. However, the phylogenetic position of the newly recognized lineage within the subclass Scuticociliatia remains unresolved. Based on molecular and morphological data, we establish the family Anaerocyclidiidae fam. nov. to accommodate members of this clade. We further provide detailed morphological descriptions and 18S rRNA gene sequences for six new Anaerocyclidium species and significantly broaden the described diversity of anaerobic scuticociliates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kateřina Poláková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - William A Bourland
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Čepička
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pan B, Ye F, Li T, Wei F, Warren A, Wang Y, Gao S. Potential role of N 6-adenine DNA methylation in alternative splicing and endosymbiosis in Paramecium bursaria. iScience 2023; 26:106676. [PMID: 37182097 PMCID: PMC10173741 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-adenine DNA methylation (6mA), a rediscovered epigenetic mark in eukaryotic organisms, diversifies in abundance, distribution, and function across species, necessitating its study in more taxa. Paramecium bursaria is a typical model organism with endosymbiotic algae of the species Chlorella variabilis. This consortium therefore serves as a valuable system to investigate the functional role of 6mA in endosymbiosis, as well as the evolutionary importance of 6mA among eukaryotes. In this study, we report the first genome-wide, base pair-resolution map of 6mA in P. bursaria and identify its methyltransferase PbAMT1. Functionally, 6mA exhibits a bimodal distribution at the 5' end of RNA polymerase II-transcribed genes and possibly participates in transcription by facilitating alternative splicing. Evolutionarily, 6mA co-evolves with gene age and likely serves as a reverse mark of endosymbiosis-related genes. Our results offer new insights for the functional diversification of 6mA in eukaryotes as an important epigenetic mark.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Pan
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Tao Li
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Fan Wei
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Alan Warren
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
- Corresponding author
| | - Shan Gao
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao 266237, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li J, Li S, Su H, Yu M, Xu J, Yi Z. Comprehensive phylogenomic analyses reveal that order Armophorida is most closely related to class Armophorea (Protista, Ciliophora). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2023; 182:107737. [PMID: 36841269 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Ciliate species within the class Armophorea are widely distributed in various anaerobic environments, hence they are of great interest to researchers studying evolution and adaptation of eukaryotes to extreme habitats. However, phylogenetic relationships within the class remain largely elusive, most especially assignment of the order Armophorida and classification within the family Metopidae. In this study, we newly sequenced transcriptomes and the SSU rDNA of five armophorean species, Sulfonecta cf. uniserialis (order Armophorida), Nyctotheroides sp. (order Clevelandellida), and Metopus major, M. paraes, and Brachonella contorta (order Metopida). Comprehensive phylogenomic analyses revealed that Armophorea was most closely related to Muranotrichea and Parablepharismea. Our results indicate that the order Armophorida either belongs to Armophorea or represents a new class within APM (Armophorea-Parablepharismea-Muranotrichea). Analyses combining ecological niches and molecular trees showed that APM species might descend from an anaerobic free-living ciliate species. Existing molecular phylogenomic/phylogenetic and morphological evidence indicate that the family Metopidae is non-monophyletic and should be further classified with inclusion of additional lines of evidences. Our results provide new insights into the long-debated relationships within Armophorea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Song Li
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Hua Su
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Minjie Yu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Jiahui Xu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Zhenzhen Yi
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Su H, Xu J, Li J, Yi Z. Four ciliate-specific expansion events occurred during actin gene family evolution of eukaryotes. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2023; 184:107789. [PMID: 37105243 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107789] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Actin gene family is a divergent and ancient eukaryotic cellular cytoskeletal gene family, and participates in many essential cellular processes. Ciliated protists offer us an excellent opportunity to investigate gene family evolution, since their gene families evolved faster in ciliates than in other eukaryotes. Nonetheless, actin gene family is well studied in few model ciliate species but little is known about its evolutionary patterns in ciliates. Here, we analyzed the evolutionary pattern of eukaryotic actin gene family based on genomes/transcriptomes of 36 species covering ten ciliate classes, as well as those of nine non-ciliate eukaryotic species. Results showed: (1) Except for conventional actins and actin-related proteins (Arps) shared by various eukaryotes, at least four ciliate-specific subfamilies occurred during evolution of actin gene family. Expansions of Act2 and ArpC were supposed to have happen in the ciliate common ancestor, while expansions of ActI and ActII may have occurred in the ancestor of Armophorea, Muranotrichea, and Spirotrichea. (2) The number of actin isoforms varied greatly among ciliate species. Environmental adaptability, whole genome duplication (WGD) or segmental duplication events, distinct spatial and temporal patterns of expression might play driving forces for the increasement of isoform numbers. (3) The 'birth and death' model of evolution could explain the evolution of actin gene family in ciliates. And actin genes have been generally under strong negative selection to maintain protein structures and physiological functions. Collectively, we provided meaningful information for understanding the evolution of eukaryotic actin gene family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Su
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Jiahui Xu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Jia Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Zhenzhen Yi
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yang J, Wang Z, Wang C, Tang D, Zang Z, Stover NA, Chen X, Li L. Single-cell transcriptome reveals cell division-regulated hub genes in the unicellular eukaryote Paramecium. Eur J Protistol 2023; 89:125978. [PMID: 37080141 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2023.125978] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
The transition from growth to division during the cell cycle encompasses numerous conserved processes such as large-scale DNA replication and protein synthesis. In ciliate cells, asexual cell division is accompanied by additional cellular changes including amitotic nuclear division, extensive ciliogenesis, and trichocyst replication. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes remain elusive. In this study, we present single-cell gene expression profiles of Paramecium cf. multimicronucleatum cells undergoing cell division. Our results reveal that the most up-regulated genes in dividing cells compared to growing cells are associated with 1) cell cycle signaling pathways including transcription, DNA replication, chromosome segregation and protein degradation; 2) microtubule proteins and tubulin glycylases which are essential for ciliogenesis, nuclei separation and structural differentiation signaling; and 3) trichocyst matrix proteins involved in trichocyst synthesis and reproduction. Furthermore, weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified hub genes that may play crucial roles during cell division. Our findings provide insights into cell cycle regulators, microtubules and trichocyst matrix proteins that may exert influence on this process in ciliates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yang
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity & Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Zhenyuan Wang
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity & Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Chundi Wang
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity & Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Danxu Tang
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity & Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Zihan Zang
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity & Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Naomi A Stover
- Department of Biology, Bradley University, Peoria 61625, USA
| | - Xiao Chen
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity & Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China; Suzhou Research Institute, Shandong University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Lifang Li
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity & Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bu XL, Zhao WS, Li WX, Zou H, Wu SG, Li M, Wang GT. Mitochondrial metabolism of the facultative parasite Chilodonella uncinata (Alveolata, Ciliophora). Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:92. [PMID: 36882771 PMCID: PMC9993649 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05695-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chilodonella uncinata is an aerobic ciliate capable of switching between being free-living and parasitic on fish fins and gills, causing tissue damage and host mortality. It is widely used as a model organism for genetic studies, but its mitochondrial metabolism has never been studied. Therefore, we aimed to describe the morphological features and metabolic characteristics of its mitochondria. METHODS Fluorescence staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to observe the morphology of mitochondria. Single-cell transcriptome data of C. uncinata were annotated by the Clusters of Orthologous Genes (COG) database. Meanwhile, the metabolic pathways were constructed based on the transcriptomes. The phylogenetic analysis was also made based on the sequenced cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene. RESULTS Mitochondria were stained red using Mito-tracker Red staining and were stained slightly blue by DAPI dye. The cristae and double membrane structures of the mitochondria were observed by TEM. Besides, many lipid droplets were evenly distributed around the macronucleus. A total of 2594 unigenes were assigned to 23 functional classifications of COG. Mitochondrial metabolic pathways were depicted. The mitochondria contained enzymes for the complete tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, fatty acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and cytochrome-based electron transport chain (ETC), but only partial enzymes involved in the iron-sulfur clusters (ISCs). CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that C. uncinata possess typical mitochondria. Stored lipid droplets inside mitochondria may be the energy storage of C. uncinata that helps its transmission from a free-living to a parasitic lifestyle. These findings also have improved our knowledge of the mitochondrial metabolism of C. uncinata and increased the volume of molecular data for future studies of this facultative parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia-Lian Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, and Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, The People's Republic of China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, The People's Republic of China.,Protist 10,000 Genomics Project (P10K) Consortium, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, The People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Shan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, and Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, The People's Republic of China.,Protist 10,000 Genomics Project (P10K) Consortium, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, The People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, and Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, The People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, and Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, The People's Republic of China
| | - Shan-Gong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, and Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, The People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, and Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, The People's Republic of China. .,Protist 10,000 Genomics Project (P10K) Consortium, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, The People's Republic of China.
| | - Gui-Tang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, and Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Disease Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, The People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|