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Dallinger R. Metals and metallothionein evolution in snails: a contribution to the concept of metal-specific functionality from an animal model group. Biometals 2024; 37:671-696. [PMID: 38416244 PMCID: PMC11101346 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-024-00584-3] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
This is a critical review of what we know so far about the evolution of metallothioneins (MTs) in Gastropoda (snails, whelks, limpets and slugs), an important class of molluscs with over 90,000 known species. Particular attention will be paid to the evolution of snail MTs in relation to the role of some metallic trace elements (cadmium, zinc and copper) and their interaction with MTs, also compared to MTs from other animal phyla. The article also highlights the important distinction, yet close relationship, between the structural and metal-selective binding properties of gastropod MTs and their physiological functionality in the living organism. It appears that in the course of the evolution of Gastropoda, the trace metal cadmium (Cd) must have played an essential role in the development of Cd-selective MT variants. It is shown how the structures and Cd-selective binding properties in the basal gastropod clades have evolved by testing and optimizing different combinations of ancestral and novel MT domains, and how some of these domains have become established in modern and recent gastropod clades. In this context, the question of how adaptation to new habitats and lifestyles has affected the original MT traits in different gastropod lineages will also be addressed. The 3D structures and their metal binding preferences will be highlighted exemplarily in MTs of modern littorinid and helicid snails. Finally, the importance of the different metal requirements and pathways in snail tissues and cells for the shaping and functionality of the respective MT isoforms will be shown.
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García-Risco M, Calatayud S, Pedrini-Martha V, Albalat R, Palacios Ò, Capdevila M, Dallinger R. A de novo evolved domain improves the cadmium detoxification capacity of limpet metallothioneins. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8895. [PMID: 37264073 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35786-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) constitute an important family of metal binding proteins. Mollusk MTs, in particular, have been used as model systems to better understand the evolution of their metal binding features and functional adaptation. In the present study two recombinantly produced MTs, LgiMT1 and LgiMT2, and their de novo evolved γ domain, of the marine limpet Lottia gigantea, were analyzed by electronic spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Both MT proteins, as well as their γ domains, exhibit a strong binding specificity for Cd(II), but not for Zn(II) or Cu(I). The LgiMTs' γ domain renders an MII4(SCys)10 cluster with an increased Cd stoichiometry (binding 4 instead of 3 Cd2+ ions), representing a novel structural element in the world of MTs, probably featuring an adamantane 3D structure. This cluster significantly improves the Cd(II)-binding performance of the full length proteins and thus contributes to the particularly high Cd coping capacity observed in free-living limpets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario García-Risco
- Departament de Química, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Sara Calatayud
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Microbiologia i Estadística and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Veronika Pedrini-Martha
- Institute of Zoology, Center of Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ricard Albalat
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Microbiologia i Estadística and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Òscar Palacios
- Departament de Química, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Mercè Capdevila
- Departament de Química, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
| | - Reinhard Dallinger
- Institute of Zoology, Center of Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Torres P, Rodrigues A, Prestes ACL, Neto AI, Álvaro N, Martins GM. The Azorean edible abalone Haliotis tuberculata, an alternative heavy metal-free marine resource? CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 242:125177. [PMID: 31677516 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Abalones are considered a delicacy and exploited for food worldwide. In many places, overfishing has led to the decimation of wild stocks and many are now reared in aquaculture systems. In the Azores, there is no tradition of eating abalones and Haliotis tuberculata stocks are still virtually untouched. However, as tourism in the islands grows and the stocks of other shellfish diminish, there is an increasing pressure to find alternative edible resources, leading to a rising interest in abalones. According to previous studies performed in the region, other edible species, including the local highly appreciated limpets and the giant barnacle, present high concentration levels of some heavy metals, which has been attributed to the volcanic origin of the islands. Here we analysed the metal content in the edible tissue of Haliotis tuberculata from São Miguel Island, Azores. The potential human health risks due to its consumption was assessed by estimating the average daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) of metals. Similarly to other organisms in the Azores, abalones have higher than normal levels of some heavy metals, particularly cadmium, reflecting a local natural source that should be closely monitored from a public health point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Torres
- CIBIO, Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources - InBIO Associate Laboratory, University of the Azores, Rua Mãe de Deus, 58, 9500-321, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal.
| | - Armindo Rodrigues
- IVAR - Instituto de Investigação em Vulcanologia e Avaliação de Riscos, University of the Azores, Rua Mãe de Deus, 58, 9500-321, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal; Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, Rua Mãe de Deus, 58, 9500-321, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
| | - Afonso C L Prestes
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, Rua Mãe de Deus, 58, 9500-321, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal; CE3C, Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, University of the Azores, Rua Mãe de Deus, 58, 9500-321, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
| | - Ana I Neto
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, Rua Mãe de Deus, 58, 9500-321, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal; CE3C, Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, University of the Azores, Rua Mãe de Deus, 58, 9500-321, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
| | - Nuno Álvaro
- IITAA, Institute for Investigation and Technology of Agronomy and Environment, University of the Azores, Campus de Angra do Heroísmo Rua Capitão João d'Ávlia, Pico da Urze PT, 9700-042, Angra do Heroísmo, Azores, Portugal
| | - Gustavo M Martins
- CE3C, Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, University of the Azores, Rua Mãe de Deus, 58, 9500-321, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal; AQUAZOR, Marine Aquaculture and Biotechnology of the Azores, 9500-331, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
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Sandamalika WMG, Priyathilaka TT, Liyanage DS, Lee S, Lim HK, Lee J. Molecular characterization of kappa class glutathione S-transferase from the disk abalone (Haliotis discus discus) and changes in expression following immune and stress challenges. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 77:252-263. [PMID: 29621633 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Glutathione S-transferase (GST; EC 2.5.1.18) isoenzymes represent a complex group of proteins that are involved in phase II detoxification in several organisms. In this study, GST kappa (GSTκ) from the disk abalone (Haliotis discus discus; AbGSTκ) was characterized at both the transcriptional and functional levels to determine its potential capacity to perform as a detoxification agent under conditions of different stress. The predicted AbGSTκ protein consists of 227 amino acids, with a predicted molecular weight of 25.6 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point (pI) of 7.78. In silico analysis reveals that AbGSTκ is a disulfide bond formation protein A (DsbA), consisting of a thioredoxin domain, GSH binding sites (G-sites), and a catalytic residue. In contrast, no hydrophobic ligand binding site (H-site), or signal peptides, were detected. AbGSTκ showed the highest sequence identity with the orthologue from pufferfish (Takifugu obscurus) (60.0%). In a phylogenetic tree, AbGSTκ clustered closely together with other fish GSTκs, and was evolutionarily distanced from other cytosolic GSTs. The predicted three-dimensional structure clearly demonstrates that the dimer adopts a butterfly-like shape. A tissue distribution analysis revealed that GSTκ was highly expressed in the digestive tract, suggesting it has detoxification ability. Depending on the tissue and time, AbGSTκ showed different expression patterns, and levels of expression, following challenge of the abalone with immune stimulants. Enzyme kinetics of the purified recombinant proteins demonstrated its conjugating ability using 1-Chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) and glutathione (GSH) as substrates, and suggested it has a low affinity for both substrates. The optimum temperature and pH for the rAbGSTκ GSH: CDNB conjugating activity were found to be 35 °C and pH 8, respectively indicating that the abalone is well adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions. Cibacron blue (100 μM) was capable of completely inhibiting rAbGSTκ (100%) with an IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) of 0.05 μM. A disk diffusion assay revealed that rAbGSTκ could significantly protect cells from H2O2, CdCl2, and ZnCl2. Altogether, this current study suggests that AbGSTκ is involved in detoxification and immunological host defense mechanisms and allows abalones to overcome stresses in order for them to have an increased chance of survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- W M Gayashani Sandamalika
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Thanthrige Thiunuwan Priyathilaka
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - D S Liyanage
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Sukkyoung Lee
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Kyu Lim
- Department of Marine and Fisheries Resources, College of Natural Sciences, Mokpo National University, Muan, Jeonnam 58554, Republic of Korea
| | - Jehee Lee
- Department of Marine Life Sciences & Fish Vaccine Research Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 63243, Republic of Korea; Marine Science Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 63333, Republic of Korea.
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Reguera P, Couceiro L, Fernández N. A review of the empirical literature on the use of limpets Patella spp. (Mollusca: Gastropoda) as bioindicators of environmental quality. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 148:593-600. [PMID: 29127822 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The need to carry out monitoring programs for environmental pollution of coastal ecosystems makes it necessary to increase the number of indicator species in order to have a wide range of suitable organisms for most of the possible toxic substances and ways of exposure. With the purpose of analyzing the suitability of limpets (Patella spp.) for their use in biomonitoring programs, a literature review was performed on 88 cases found in the Web of Science online platform. The capacity of limpets to accumulate metals and hydrocarbons has been examined in several field studies. In most cases there is a clear relationship between body content of a pollutant in soft tissues of limpets and the corresponding environmental level. Likewise, different responses to pollutants have been reported in limpets, including induction of DNA damage, induction of metallothioneins, oxidative stress, decrease of Neutral Red retention or variations in heart rate. Regarding the study of changes in community structure, an uneven response to disturbances (e.g. oil spills, wastewater discharge) by species of the genus Patella has been documented. Moreover, generally limpets respond to pollutants similarly to, or even more effectively than, mussels; therefore, their inclusion as sentinel organisms in regional monitoring plans seems appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Reguera
- Universidade da Coruña, Facultade de Ciencias, Campus de A Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Lucía Couceiro
- Universidade da Coruña, Facultade de Ciencias, Campus de A Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Nuria Fernández
- Universidade da Coruña, Facultade de Ciencias, Campus de A Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain.
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Di Carlo M, Giovannelli D, Fattorini D, Le Bris N, Vetriani C, Regoli F. Trace elements and arsenic speciation in tissues of tube dwelling polychaetes from hydrothermal vent ecosystems (East Pacific Rise): An ecological role as antipredatory strategy? MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 132:1-13. [PMID: 29037570 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Hydrothermal vent systems are inhabited by dense benthic communities adapted to extreme conditions such as high temperature, hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and elevated fluxes of metals. In the present work, a wide range of trace elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, V and Zn) were measured in tissues of three tube dwelling annelids, Alvinella pompejana, Alvinella caudata and Riftia pachyptila, which colonize distinct habitats of the East Pacific Rise (EPR) at 2500 m depth. Metals concentrations in alvinellids were often 2-4 orders of magnitude higher than those commonly found in marine organisms, while much lower values were observed in the vestimentiferan polychaete. Mobility of trace elements was further characterized in tissues of A. pompejana where metals appeared mostly in insoluble forms, i.e. associated with hydrated oxides and sulphides. Arsenic was mainly present in a weakly insoluble form and with concentrations in the branchial tentacles of alvinellids, approximately 5-15 fold higher than those measured in the thorax. Chemical speciation of this element in tissues of the three polychaete species revealed a major contribution of methylated arsenic compounds, like dimethylarsinate (DMA) and, to a lower extent, monomethylarsonate (MMA) and trimethylarsine oxide (TMAO). Although the biotransformation of inorganic arsenic might represent a detoxification mechanism in polychaetes from hydrothermal vents, the elevated levels of methylated forms of arsenic in branchial tissues also suggest an ecological role of this element as an antipredatory strategy for more vulnerable tissues toward generalist consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Di Carlo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente (DISVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM), Ancona, Italy
| | - Donato Giovannelli
- Institute of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Ancona, Italy; Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daniele Fattorini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente (DISVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM), Ancona, Italy; CoNISMa, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario Scienze del Mare, Italy
| | - Nadine Le Bris
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ. Paris 6, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Ecogéochimie des Environnements Benthiques, Observatoire Océanologique, 66650 Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
| | - Costantino Vetriani
- Institute of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Francesco Regoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente (DISVA), Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM), Ancona, Italy; CoNISMa, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario Scienze del Mare, Italy.
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7
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Torres P, Rodrigues A, Soares L, Garcia P. Metal Concentrations in Two Commercial Tuna Species from an Active Volcanic Region in the Mid-Atlantic Ocean. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 70:341-347. [PMID: 26681184 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-015-0249-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead [Pb (µg g(-1) wet weight)] were determined in liver and muscle samples of 15 bigeye (Thunnus obesus) and 15 skipjack tunas (Katsuwonus pelamis) caught over an active volcanic region in the Mid-Atlantic Ocean (Azores, Portugal) and evaluated regarding consumption safety. None of the muscle samples (edible part) exceeded the European Union (EU) maximum limits (MLs) for Hg and Pb. Cd concentrations in muscle were much greater than EU MLs with 53 and 26 % of the bigeye tuna and skipjack tuna, respectively, in exceedance of the limits. Results obtained in this work, together with other studies in the same region, support the existence of an important volcanic source of Cd in waters of the Mid-Atlantic region, which should be carefully monitored given the importance of many commercial marine species for human consumption, mainly in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Torres
- Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Pólo dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal.
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade dos Açores, 9500-801, Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal.
| | - Armindo Rodrigues
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade dos Açores, 9500-801, Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
- Centro de Vulcanologia e Avaliação de Riscos Geológicos, Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
| | - Lília Soares
- Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Pólo dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Garcia
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade dos Açores, 9500-801, Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Azorean Biodiversity Group, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
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Álvaro NV, Neto AI, Couto RP, Azevedo JMN, Rodrigues AS. Crabs tell the difference--Relating trace metal content with land use and landscape attributes. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 144:1377-1383. [PMID: 26492424 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal concentration in a given locality depends upon its natural characteristics and level of anthropogenic pressure. Volcanic sites have a different heavy metal footprint from agriculture soils and both differ from urban centres. Different animal species absorb heavy metals differently according to their feeding behaviour and physiology. Depending on the capability to accumulate heavy metals, some species can be used in biomonitoring programs for the identification of disturbed areas. Crabs are included in these species and known to accumulate heavy metals. The present study investigates the potential of Pachygrapsus marmoratus (Fabricius, 1787), a small crab abundant in the Azores intertidal, as an indicator of the presence of heavy metals in Azorean coastal environments, comparing hydrothermal vent locations, urban centres and locations adjacent to agricultural activity. Specimens were collected in the same period and had their hepatopancreas removed, dried and analysed for heavy metals. Results revealed differences in concentration of the studied elements between all sampling sites, each one revealing a distinct heavy metal content. Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn and Cd are the metals responsible for separating the various sites. The concentration levels of the heavy metals recorded in the present study reflect the environmental available metals where the organisms live. This, associated to the large availability of P. marmoratus specimens in the Azores, and to the fact that these animals are easy to capture and handle, suggests this species as a potential bioindicator for heavy metal concentration in Azorean coastal areas, both humanized and naturally disturbed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno V Álvaro
- University of the Azores, Department of Biology, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal; cE3c - ABG - Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes and Azorean Biodiversity Group, Department of Biology, University of the Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal; Centro de Estudos do Clima, Meteorologia e Mudanças Globais, Pólo Universitário de Angra do Heroísmo, 9701-851 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal.
| | - Ana I Neto
- University of the Azores, Department of Biology, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal; cE3c - ABG - Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes and Azorean Biodiversity Group, Department of Biology, University of the Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Ruben P Couto
- University of the Azores, Department of Biology, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
| | - José M N Azevedo
- University of the Azores, Department of Biology, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal; cE3c - ABG - Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes and Azorean Biodiversity Group, Department of Biology, University of the Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Armindo S Rodrigues
- University of the Azores, Department of Biology, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal; CVARG, Center for Volcanology and Evaluation of Geological Risks, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
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9
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Elvitigala DAS, Jayasooriya RGPT, Whang I, Lee J. First report on the gastropod proapoptotic AIF3 counterpart from disk abalone (Haliotis discus discus) deciphering its transcriptional modulation by induced pathogenic stress. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 47:697-705. [PMID: 26455649 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2015.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) is a flavoprotein that is involved in oxidative phosphorylation and induces apoptosis in eukaryotic cells. There are three isozymes of AIF that have been identified to date, designated as AIF1, AIF2, and AIF3; the human AIF3 is also known as an AIF-like protein (AIFL). This study aimed to identify and characterize a homologue of AIF3 from disk abalone (AbAIF3) that belongs to the phylum Mollusca. The open reading frame (ORF) of AbAIF3 is 1749 base pairs (bp) in length and encodes a protein of 583 amino acids, with a predicted molecular mass of 63.14 kDa. Based on our in-silico analysis, the AbAIF3 protein harbored the typical domain architecture as that of the known AIF family proteins, consisting of N-terminal Rieske and pyridine nucleotide-disulphide oxidoreductase domain. Comparative protein sequence analysis confirmed that AbAIF3 is a homolog of AIF3. Moreover, our phylogenetic analysis revealed that AbAIF3 had a close evolutionary relationship with the molluscan counterparts. Interestingly, AbAIF3 was shown to induce apoptosis in HEK293T cells using transfection assays followed by flow cytometric analysis. In addition, we found that AbAIF3 mRNA expression was ubiquitous in physiologically important tissues, and significantly modulated upon experimental immune stimulations in hemocytes. Collectively, our study illustrates the indispensable role of AbAIF3 in inducing apoptosis in disk abalones, which in turn might be involved in hosts' immune defense mechanisms against microbial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don Anushka Sandaruwan Elvitigala
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea; Fish Vaccine Development Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
| | - R G P T Jayasooriya
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Ilson Whang
- Fish Vaccine Development Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea
| | - Jehee Lee
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, School of Marine Biomedical Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea; Fish Vaccine Development Center, Jeju National University, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province 690-756, Republic of Korea.
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10
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Dionísio M, Costa A, Rodrigues A. Heavy metal concentrations in edible barnacles exposed to natural contamination. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 91:563-570. [PMID: 23380032 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Revised: 12/24/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The giant barnacle Megabalanus azoricus is a popular seafood in the Azores. It is mainly caught in coastal environments and sold for domestic human consumption. This species is a filter feeder and can be used as a biomonitor of trace metal bioavailabilities. To investigate consumption safety, the concentrations of 10 trace metals - As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, Rb, Se, Sr and Zn - were evaluated in 3 body tissues of M. azoricus from 3 sites on 2 islands. There were no significant differences between the metal loads of the barnacles from the different sites. However, the concentrations of the total trace metal loads revealed significant differences among the tissues (cirrus, muscles and ovaries). The concentrations of some metals in the body were not within the safety levels for consumers, based on the allowable standard levels for crustaceans issued by the European Union and of legislations in several countries. Alarming levels of As and Cd were found. Considering the absence of heavy industry in the region, a non-anthropogenic volcanic source was assumed to be the reason for the observed metal levels. Barnacles, in particular M. azoricus, seem to be useful as bioindicators in this peculiar environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dionísio
- CIBIO, Pólo dos Açores - Departamento de Biologia da Universidade dos Açores, Rua Mãe de Deus, 13ª 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
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11
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Peng SH, Hung JJ, Hwang JS. Bioaccumulation of trace metals in the submarine hydrothermal vent crab Xenograpsus testudinatus off Kueishan Island, Taiwan. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2011; 63:396-401. [PMID: 21658729 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2010] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of ten trace metals were determined in the gills, muscles, hepatopancreas, and exoskeleton tissues of Xenograpsus testudinatus that lives around shallow and acidic hydrothermal vents off Kueishan Island, northeastern Taiwan. The analytical results demonstrate that the metal concentrations vary significantly with the type of crab tissue. The concentrations of Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn are highest in the gills, whereas the concentration of Mn is highest in the exoskeleton. Cr and Pb concentrations are similar across the different tissues. The enhanced accumulation of most metals in the gills suggests the metal accumulation via the respiration pathway rather than the uptake of food. The results also reveal that the distribution patterns of metals in tissues are similar in the hepatopancreas and muscles, but very different in both the gills and the exoskeleton, perhaps because of the different pathways of metal utilization in the different crab tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Hung Peng
- Institute of Marine Geology and Chemistry, Asian-Pacific Ocean Research Center, National Sun Yat-San University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Cunha L, Campos I, Montiel R, Rodrigues A, Morgan AJ. Morphometry of the epidermis of an invasive megascoelecid earthworm (Amynthas gracilis, Kinberg 1867) inhabiting actively volcanic soils in the Azores archipelago. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2011; 74:25-32. [PMID: 20797787 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2010.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2009] [Revised: 07/28/2010] [Accepted: 08/01/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
For the first time, the structure, dimensions, and composition of the epidermis of an invasive earthworm species that has successfully colonized hostile conditions in actively volcanic soil on São Miguel (Azores) have been measured. Metal concentrations in actively volcanic (Furnas) and volcanically inactive (Fajã) soils were similar; however, Furnas soil was characterised by elevated temperature (10°C differential), relative hypoxia, extremely high CO(2) tension, and accompanying acidity. The epidermis of earthworm's resident at Fajã was approximately twice the thickness of the epidermis of conspecifics resident in Furnas soil. Reference worms transferred to Furnas soil for 14 days experienced an epidermal thinning of approximately 51%. In comparison, when Furnas earthworms were transferred to mesocosms at the relatively benign Fajã site, their epidermal thickness increased by approximately 21% over 14 days. Earthworms resident in Furnas soil had higher goblet cell counts than the residents of volcanically inactive soil on a neighbouring island (S. Maria). Transferring worms from S. Maria to mesocosms at Furnas induced a significant increase in goblet cell counts. Clearly, the active volcanic environment at Furnas poses a multifactorial stress challenge to the epigeic A. gracilis colonizer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Cunha
- Public Health and Ecotoxicology Research Group (PHERG), Departmento de Biologia, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
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Beeby A, Richmond L. Magnesium and the regulation of lead in three populations of the garden snail Cantareus aspersus. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2010; 158:2288-2293. [PMID: 20206425 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2010.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2009] [Revised: 01/29/2010] [Accepted: 02/07/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Helicid snails appear to regulate Pb more closely than other toxic metals, though it is reported as the least toxic. No regulatory mechanism has been described in animals, and the possible role of Mg in limiting Pb assimilation is examined here for the first time. Three populations of Cantareus aspersus were fed Pb and Ca with three levels of Mg for up to 64 days. Metal assimilation and production efficiency was calculated for each of 108 snails. Populations differed in their pattern of uptake but soft tissue Pb was unaffected by dietary Mg. The proportion of Pb assimilated did not change as soft tissue concentrations increased, indicating no specific regulatory mechanism. The daily addition of Pb to the soft tissues increases with growth rate suggesting uptake is instead some function of growth or cell turnover. Bioconcentration factors varied with time and are unreliable indicators of an evolved regulatory mechanism for Pb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Beeby
- Department of Applied Science, London South Bank University, Borough Road, London SE1 0AA, UK.
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Couto RP, Neto AI, Rodrigues AS. Metal concentration and structural changes in Corallina elongata (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) from hydrothermal vents. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2010; 60:509-14. [PMID: 20042204 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2009] [Revised: 11/16/2009] [Accepted: 11/16/2009] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Shallow-water hydrothermal activity is widely present at Azores archipelago. Organisms in such environments present great potential as sentinels of the effects derived from chronically exposure to increased temperature, metal concentrations and reduced pH. This study aimed to evaluate metal concentration in Corallina elongata collected at locations exposed and not exposed to shallow-water hydrothermal activity and evaluate changes in its calcareous structure. Elemental concentration was determined and morphometric analysis was performed by scanning electron microscopy. Thicker cell walls and a bleached appearance were observed on C. elongata specimens from the hydrothermally active location, as well as increased concentrations of elements associated to volcanic activity. This study reports on metal accumulation and morphometric changes in the calcareous structure of C. elongata from a hydrothermally active location, adding new data for further research on such habitats and communities, providing an insight on how coralline algae might be affected by ocean acidification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben P Couto
- CIRN - Centro de Investigação de Recursos Naturais, Universidade dos Açores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Apartado 1422, Portugal.
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Wallenstein FM, Couto RP, Amaral AS, Wilkinson M, Neto AI, Rodrigues AS. Baseline metal concentrations in marine algae from São Miguel (Azores) under different ecological conditions--urban proximity and shallow water hydrothermal activity. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2009; 58:438-443. [PMID: 19135218 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2008.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2008] [Revised: 11/07/2008] [Accepted: 11/16/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
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Rodrigues A, Cunha L, Amaral A, Medeiros J, Garcia P. Bioavailability of heavy metals and their effects on the midgut cells of a phytopaghous insect inhabiting volcanic environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2008; 406:116-22. [PMID: 18793793 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.07.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2008] [Revised: 07/23/2008] [Accepted: 07/31/2008] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Organisms living in volcanic environments are chronically exposed to metals, either as particles or associated with gases, from volcanic emissions, being therefore potential sentinels of the effects derived from such exposure. Concentrations of Ca, Cd, Cu, Mg, Mn, Pb, Rb, and Zn were measured in soil, grass (Lolium perenne), and larvae of Pseudaletia uninpuncta captured in sites exposed and non-exposed to volcanic activity. The midgut epithelial cell morphometry and apoptosis of P. unipuncta larvae were also analyzed. Larvae from the site with volcanic activity showed higher levels of Cu, Mn, Rb and Zn. Metals such as Pb, Cd and Mg levels of P. unipuncta larvae were similar between sites. Apoptosis was higher in cells from digestive epithelium of larvae exposed to volcanic activity. Soils and grass not exposed to volcanic activity showed higher levels for most of the analyzed elements with the exception of Rb. Such result when compared with metal levels of larvae may reveal that bioavailability of elements differs between sites. The higher levels of Cd, Zn and Mg in soils and grass from the site with no volcanic activity are probably related to the severe artificial fertilization in the studied pastures. Such result, when compared with metal levels of larvae, suggest that the bioavailability of metals differs between sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armindo Rodrigues
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade dos Açores, R. Mãe de Deus, Apt 1422, 9501-855 Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
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