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Clarke RM, Meier M, Wilson MJ. Genome-wide analysis of early vascular tunic repair and regeneration for Botrylloides digenesis reveals striking similarities to human wound healing. Dev Biol 2024; 509:28-42. [PMID: 38342399 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.02.003] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
The early stages of regeneration after injury are similar to those of wound healing. The ascidian Botrylloides diegensis can regenerate an entire adult from a small fragment of vascular tunic following the removal of all zooids in an injury-induced regeneration model. We investigated the molecular and cellular changes following injury to determine the differences between the healing process and the initiation of whole-body regeneration (WBR). We conducted transcriptome analysis at specific time points during regeneration and wound healing to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the unique biological processes associated with each state. Our findings revealed 296 DEGs at 10 h post-injury (hpi), with 71 highly expressed in healed tissue and 225 expressed during the WBR process. These DEGs were predicted to play roles in tissue reorganization, integrin signaling, extracellular matrix organization, and the innate immune system. Pathway analysis of the upregulated genes in the healed tunic indicated functional enrichment related to tissue repair, as has been observed in other species. Additionally, we examined the cell types in the tunic and ampullae in both tissue states using histology and in situ hybridization for six genes identified by transcriptome analysis. We observed strong mRNA expression in cells within the WBR tunic, and in small RNA-positive granules near the tunic edge. We hypothesized that many of these genes function in the compaction of the ampullae tunic, which is a pivotal process for WBR and dormancy in B. diegensis, and in an immune response. These findings establish surprising similarities between ascidian regeneration and human wound healing, emphasizing the potential for future investigations into human regenerative and repair mechanisms. This study provides valuable insights into the gene sets specifically activated during regeneration compared to wound healing, shedding light on the divergent activities of these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Clarke
- Developmental Genomics Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Michael Meier
- Developmental Genomics Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Megan J Wilson
- Developmental Genomics Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
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2
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Marino R, Melillo D, Italiani P, Boraschi D. Environmental stress and nanoplastics' effects on Ciona robusta: regulation of immune/stress-related genes and induction of innate memory in pharynx and gut. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1176982. [PMID: 37313415 PMCID: PMC10258323 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1176982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to circulating haemocytes, the immune system of the solitary ascidian Ciona robusta relies on two organs, the pharynx and the gut, and encompasses a wide array of immune and stress-related genes. How the pharynx and the gut of C. robusta react and adapt to environmental stress was assessed upon short or long exposure to hypoxia/starvation in the absence or in the presence of polystyrene nanoplastics. We show that the immune response to stress is very different between the two organs, suggesting an organ-specific immune adaptation to the environmental changes. Notably, the presence of nanoplastics appears to alter the gene modulation induced by hypoxia/starvation in both organs, resulting in a partial increase in gene up-regulation in the pharynx and a less evident response to stress in the gut. We have also assessed whether the hypoxia/starvation stress could induce innate memory, measured as gene expression in response to a subsequent challenge with the bacterial agent LPS. Exposure to stress one week before challenge induced a substantial change in the response to LPS, with a general decrease of gene expression in the pharynx and a strong increase in the gut. Co-exposure with nanoplastics only partially modulated the stress-induced memory response to LPS, without substantially changing the stress-dependent gene expression profile in either organ. Overall, the presence of nanoplastics in the marine environment seems able to decrease the immune response of C. robusta to stressful conditions, hypothetically implying a reduced capacity to adapt to environmental changes, but only partially affects the stress-dependent induction of innate memory and subsequent responses to infectious challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Marino
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN), Napoli, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniela Melillo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), Napoli, Italy
| | - Paola Italiani
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN), Napoli, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), Napoli, Italy
- China-Italy Joint Laboratory of Pharmacobiotechnology for Medical Immunomodulation (CNR, SZN, SIAT), Shenzhen, China
| | - Diana Boraschi
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN), Napoli, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), Napoli, Italy
- China-Italy Joint Laboratory of Pharmacobiotechnology for Medical Immunomodulation (CNR, SZN, SIAT), Shenzhen, China
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Vaccines, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
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Anselmi C, Caicci F, Bocci T, Guidetti M, Priori A, Giusti V, Levy T, Raveh T, Voskoboynik A, Weissman IL, Manni L. Multiple Forms of Neural Cell Death in the Cyclical Brain Degeneration of A Colonial Chordate. Cells 2023; 12:1041. [PMID: 37048113 PMCID: PMC10093557 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071041] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Human neuronal loss occurs through different cellular mechanisms, mainly studied in vitro. Here, we characterized neuronal death in B. schlosseri, a marine colonial tunicate that shares substantial genomic homology with mammals and has a life history in which controlled neurodegeneration happens simultaneously in the brains of adult zooids during a cyclical phase named takeover. Using an ultrastructural and transcriptomic approach, we described neuronal death forms in adult zooids before and during the takeover phase while comparing adult zooids in takeover with their buds where brains are refining their structure. At takeover, we found in neurons clear morphologic signs of apoptosis (i.e., chromatin condensation, lobed nuclei), necrosis (swollen cytoplasm) and autophagy (autophagosomes, autolysosomes and degradative multilamellar bodies). These results were confirmed by transcriptomic analyses that highlighted the specific genes involved in these cell death pathways. Moreover, the presence of tubulovesicular structures in the brain medulla alongside the over-expression of prion disease genes in late cycle suggested a cell-to-cell, prion-like propagation recalling the conformational disorders typical of some human neurodegenerative diseases. We suggest that improved understanding of how neuronal alterations are regulated in the repeated degeneration-regeneration program of B. schlosseri may yield mechanistic insights relevant to the study of human neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Anselmi
- Hopkins Marine Station, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Federico Caicci
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Tommaso Bocci
- “Aldo Ravelli” Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Guidetti
- “Aldo Ravelli” Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Priori
- “Aldo Ravelli” Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Tom Levy
- Hopkins Marine Station, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Tal Raveh
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ayelet Voskoboynik
- Hopkins Marine Station, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Irving L. Weissman
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lucia Manni
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Botryllin, a Novel Antimicrobial Peptide from the Colonial Ascidian Botryllus schlosseri. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21020074. [PMID: 36827115 PMCID: PMC9966394 DOI: 10.3390/md21020074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
By mining the transcriptome of the colonial ascidian Botryllus schlosseri, we identified a transcript for a novel styelin-like antimicrobial peptide, which we named botryllin. The gene is constitutively transcribed by circulating cytotoxic morula cells (MCs) as a pre-propeptide that is then cleaved to mature peptide. The synthetic peptide, obtained from in silico translation of the transcript, shows robust killing activity of bacterial and unicellular yeast cells, causing breakages of both the plasma membrane and the cell wall. Specific monoclonal antibodies were raised against the epitopes of the putative amino acid sequence of the propeptide and the mature peptide; in both cases, they label the MC granular content. Upon MC degranulation induced by the presence of nonself, the antibodies recognise the extracellular nets with entrapped bacteria nearby MC remains. The obtained results suggest that the botryllin gene carries the information for the synthesis of an AMP involved in the protection of B. schlosseri from invading foreign cells.
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Searching for the Origin and the Differentiation of Haemocytes before and after Larval Settlement of the Colonial Ascidian Botryllus schlosseri: An Ultrastructural Viewpoint. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10070987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The colonial ascidian Botryllus schlosseri possesses an innate immunity, which plays fundamental roles in its survival, adaptability, worldwide spread and ecological success. Three lines of differentiation pathways of circulating haemocytes are known to be present in the haemolymph, starting from undifferentiated haemoblasts: (i) the phagocytic line (hyaline amoebocytes and macrophage-like cells), (ii) the cytotoxic line (granular amoebocytes and morula cells) and (iii) the storage cell line (pigment cells and nephrocytes). Many questions remain about their origin, and thus, observations during various stages of development were undertaken in this study. Haemocytes were detected beginning from the early tailbud embryo stage. Haemoblasts were always present and morula cells were the first differentiated haemocytes detected. In both the next stage, just before hatching, and the swimming tadpole larva stage, hyaline amoebocytes and pigment cells were also recognisable. Some morula cells containing active phenoloxidase migrated from the haemolymph into the tunic after having crossed the epidermis, and this behaviour could be related to the preparation of a defensive function for spatial competition. During larval metamorphosis, macrophage-like cells appeared with their phagosomes positive to acid phosphatase activity and containing apoptotic cells from tail tissue degeneration. After metamorphosis, in the filter-feeding oozoid stage, nephrocytes involved in nitrogen catabolism finally appeared. In both the subendostylar sinus and the peripheral blind-sac vessels (ampullae), clusters of haemoblasts were recognisable, some of which showed incipient specialisations, considering the hypothesis of the presence of putative niches of haemolymph stem cells.
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Vanni V, Salonna M, Gasparini F, Martini M, Anselmi C, Gissi C, Manni L. Yamanaka Factors in the Budding Tunicate Botryllus schlosseri Show a Shared Spatio-Temporal Expression Pattern in Chordates. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:782722. [PMID: 35342743 PMCID: PMC8948423 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.782722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, the four transcription factors Sox2, c-Myc, Pou5f1 and Klf4 are involved in the differentiation of several tissues during vertebrate embryogenesis; moreover, they are normally co-expressed in embryonic stem cells and play roles in pluripotency, self-renewal, and maintenance of the undifferentiated state in adult cells. The in vitro forced co-expression of these factors, named Yamanaka factors (YFs), induces pluripotency in human or mouse fibroblasts. Botryllus schlosseri is a colonial tunicate undergoing continuous stem cell-mediated asexual development, providing a valuable model system for the study of pluripotency in the closest living relatives of vertebrates. In this study, we identified B. schlosseri orthologs of human Sox2 and c-Myc genes, as well as the closest homologs of the vertebrate-specific Pou5f1 gene, through an in-depth evolutionary analysis of the YF gene families in tunicates and other deuterostomes. Then, we studied the expression of these genes during the asexual cycle of B. schlosseri using in situ hybridization in order to investigate their possible involvement in tissue differentiation and in pluripotency maintenance. Our results show a shared spatio-temporal expression pattern consistent with the reported functions of these genes in invertebrate and vertebrate embryogenesis. Moreover, Myc, SoxB1 and Pou3 were expressed in candidate stem cells residing in their niches, while Pou2 was found expressed exclusively in the immature previtellogenic oocytes, both in gonads and circulating in the colonial vascular system. Our data suggest that Myc, SoxB1 and Pou3 may be individually involved in the differentiation of the same territories seen in other chordates, and that, together, they may play a role in stemness even in this colonial ascidian.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Vanni
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marika Salonna
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Chiara Anselmi
- Stanford University, Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove, CA, United States.,Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Carmela Gissi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.,IBIOM, Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Bari, Italy.,CoNISMa, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze Del Mare, Roma, Italy
| | - Lucia Manni
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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7
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Auguste M, Melillo D, Corteggio A, Marino R, Canesi L, Pinsino A, Italiani P, Boraschi D. Methodological Approaches To Assess Innate Immunity and Innate Memory in Marine Invertebrates and Humans. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:842469. [PMID: 35295223 PMCID: PMC8915809 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.842469] [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: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessing the impact of drugs and contaminants on immune responses requires methodological approaches able to represent real-life conditions and predict long-term effects. Innate immunity/inflammation is the evolutionarily most widespread and conserved defensive mechanism in living organisms, and therefore we will focus here on immunotoxicological methods that specifically target such processes. By exploiting the conserved mechanisms of innate immunity, we have examined the most representative immunotoxicity methodological approaches across living species, to identify common features and human proxy models/assays. Three marine invertebrate organisms are examined in comparison with humans, i.e., bivalve molluscs, tunicates and sea urchins. In vivo and in vitro approaches are compared, highlighting common mechanisms and species-specific endpoints, to be applied in predictive human and environmental immunotoxicity assessment. Emphasis is given to the 3R principle of Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research and to the application of the ARRIVE guidelines on reporting animal research, in order to strengthen the quality and usability of immunotoxicology research data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Auguste
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Daniela Melillo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Napoli, Italy
| | - Annunziata Corteggio
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Napoli, Italy
| | - Rita Marino
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Italy
| | - Laura Canesi
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pinsino
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), CNR, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paola Italiani
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Napoli, Italy
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paola Italiani, ; Diana Boraschi,
| | - Diana Boraschi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Napoli, Italy
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Italy
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Science (CAS), Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Paola Italiani, ; Diana Boraschi,
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8
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Ricci L, Salmon B, Olivier C, Andreoni-Pham R, Chaurasia A, Alié A, Tiozzo S. The Onset of Whole-Body Regeneration in Botryllus schlosseri: Morphological and Molecular Characterization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:843775. [PMID: 35237607 PMCID: PMC8882763 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.843775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Colonial tunicates are the only chordates that regularly regenerate a fully functional whole body as part of their asexual life cycle, starting from specific epithelia and/or mesenchymal cells. In addition, in some species, whole-body regeneration (WBR) can also be triggered by extensive injuries, which deplete most of their tissues and organs and leave behind only small fragments of their body. In this manuscript, we characterized the onset of WBR in Botryllus schlosseri, one colonial tunicate long used as a laboratory model. We first analyzed the transcriptomic response to a WBR-triggering injury. Then, through morphological characterization, in vivo observations via time-lapse, vital dyes, and cell transplant assays, we started to reconstruct the dynamics of the cells triggering regeneration, highlighting an interplay between mesenchymal and epithelial cells. The dynamics described here suggest that WBR in B. schlosseri is initiated by extravascular tissue fragments derived from the injured individuals rather than particular populations of blood-borne cells, as has been described in closely related species. The morphological and molecular datasets here reported provide the background for future mechanistic studies of the WBR ontogenesis in B. schlosseri and allow to compare it with other regenerative processes occurring in other tunicate species and possibly independently evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Ricci
- Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-Mer (LBDV), CNRS, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging in Nice (IRCAN), CNRS, INSERM, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
| | - Bastien Salmon
- Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-Mer (LBDV), CNRS, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Olivier
- Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-Mer (LBDV), CNRS, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Rita Andreoni-Pham
- Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-Mer (LBDV), CNRS, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging in Nice (IRCAN), CNRS, INSERM, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
| | - Ankita Chaurasia
- Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-Mer (LBDV), CNRS, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Alié
- Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-Mer (LBDV), CNRS, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Stefano Tiozzo
- Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-Mer (LBDV), CNRS, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Stefano Tiozzo,
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A P, G M, M T, L B, N F. Characterisation and functional role of a novel C1qDC protein from a colonial ascidian. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 122:104077. [PMID: 33905781 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104077] [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: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
As an invertebrate, the compound ascidian Botryllus schlosseri faces nonself only with innate immunity. In this species, we already identified the key components of the lectin and alternative complement activation pathways. In the present work, by mining the transcriptome, we identified a single transcript codifying for a protein, member of the C1q-domain-containing protein family, with a signal peptide followed by two globular C1q (gC1q) domains. It shares a similar domain organisation with C1q/TNF-related proteins 4, the only vertebrate protein family with two gC1q domains. Our gC1q domain-containing protein, called BsC1qDC, is actively transcribed by immunocytes. The transcription is modulated during the Botryllus blastogenetic cycle and is upregulated following the injection of Bacillus clausii cells in the circulation. Furthermore, the injection of bsc1qdc iRNA in the vasculature results in decreased transcription of the gene and a significant impairment of phagocytosis and degranulation, suggesting the involvement of this molecule in immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peronato A
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Minervini G
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Tabarelli M
- PhD School in Agricultural Science and Biotechnology, University of Udine, Italy
| | - Ballarin L
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Franchi N
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Italy
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Goldstein O, Mandujano-Tinoco EA, Levy T, Talice S, Raveh T, Gershoni-Yahalom O, Voskoboynik A, Rosental B. Botryllus schlosseri as a Unique Colonial Chordate Model for the Study and Modulation of Innate Immune Activity. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19080454. [PMID: 34436293 PMCID: PMC8398012 DOI: 10.3390/md19080454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms that sustain immunological nonreactivity is essential for maintaining tissue in syngeneic and allogeneic settings, such as transplantation and pregnancy tolerance. While most transplantation rejections occur due to the adaptive immune response, the proinflammatory response of innate immunity is necessary for the activation of adaptive immunity. Botryllus schlosseri, a colonial tunicate, which is the nearest invertebrate group to the vertebrates, is devoid of T- and B-cell-based adaptive immunity. It has unique characteristics that make it a valuable model system for studying innate immunity mechanisms: (i) a natural allogeneic transplantation phenomenon that results in either fusion or rejection; (ii) whole animal regeneration and noninflammatory resorption on a weekly basis; (iii) allogeneic resorption which is comparable to human chronic rejection. Recent studies in B. schlosseri have led to the recognition of a molecular and cellular framework underlying the innate immunity loss of tolerance to allogeneic tissues. Additionally, B. schlosseri was developed as a model for studying hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation, and it provides further insights into the similarities between the HSC niches of human and B. schlosseri. In this review, we discuss why studying the molecular and cellular pathways that direct successful innate immune tolerance in B. schlosseri can provide novel insights into and potential modulations of these immune processes in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oron Goldstein
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (O.G.); (E.A.M.-T.); (S.T.); (O.G.-Y.)
| | - Edna Ayerim Mandujano-Tinoco
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (O.G.); (E.A.M.-T.); (S.T.); (O.G.-Y.)
- Laboratory of Connective Tissue, Centro Nacional de Investigación y Atención de Quemados, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación “Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra”, Calzada Mexico-Xochimilco No. 289, Col. Arenal de Guadalupe, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Tom Levy
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA; (T.L.); (T.R.); (A.V.)
| | - Shani Talice
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (O.G.); (E.A.M.-T.); (S.T.); (O.G.-Y.)
| | - Tal Raveh
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA; (T.L.); (T.R.); (A.V.)
| | - Orly Gershoni-Yahalom
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (O.G.); (E.A.M.-T.); (S.T.); (O.G.-Y.)
| | - Ayelet Voskoboynik
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA; (T.L.); (T.R.); (A.V.)
| | - Benyamin Rosental
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (O.G.); (E.A.M.-T.); (S.T.); (O.G.-Y.)
- Correspondence:
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Ballarin L, Karahan A, Salvetti A, Rossi L, Manni L, Rinkevich B, Rosner A, Voskoboynik A, Rosental B, Canesi L, Anselmi C, Pinsino A, Tohumcu BE, Jemec Kokalj A, Dolar A, Novak S, Sugni M, Corsi I, Drobne D. Stem Cells and Innate Immunity in Aquatic Invertebrates: Bridging Two Seemingly Disparate Disciplines for New Discoveries in Biology. Front Immunol 2021; 12:688106. [PMID: 34276677 PMCID: PMC8278520 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.688106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The scopes related to the interplay between stem cells and the immune system are broad and range from the basic understanding of organism's physiology and ecology to translational studies, further contributing to (eco)toxicology, biotechnology, and medicine as well as regulatory and ethical aspects. Stem cells originate immune cells through hematopoiesis, and the interplay between the two cell types is required in processes like regeneration. In addition, stem and immune cell anomalies directly affect the organism's functions, its ability to cope with environmental changes and, indirectly, its role in ecosystem services. However, stem cells and immune cells continue to be considered parts of two branches of biological research with few interconnections between them. This review aims to bridge these two seemingly disparate disciplines towards much more integrative and transformative approaches with examples deriving mainly from aquatic invertebrates. We discuss the current understanding of cross-disciplinary collaborative and emerging issues, raising novel hypotheses and comments. We also discuss the problems and perspectives of the two disciplines and how to integrate their conceptual frameworks to address basic equations in biology in a new, innovative way.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arzu Karahan
- Middle East Technical University, Institute of Marine Sciences, Erdemli, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Alessandra Salvetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Experimental Biology and Genetics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Leonardo Rossi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Experimental Biology and Genetics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lucia Manni
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Baruch Rinkevich
- Department of Biology, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa, Israel
| | - Amalia Rosner
- Department of Biology, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ayelet Voskoboynik
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove, CA, United States
- Department of Biology, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Benyamin Rosental
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Laura Canesi
- Department of Earth Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Anselmi
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove, CA, United States
| | - Annalisa Pinsino
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
| | - Begüm Ece Tohumcu
- Middle East Technical University, Institute of Marine Sciences, Erdemli, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Anita Jemec Kokalj
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andraž Dolar
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sara Novak
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Michela Sugni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Damjana Drobne
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Peronato A, Franchi N, Loriano B. BsTLR1: A new member of the TLR family of recognition proteins from the colonial ascidian Botryllus schlosseri. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 106:967-974. [PMID: 32919053 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) represent a well-known family of conserved pattern recognition receptors the importance of which, in non-self recognition, was demonstrated in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Tunicates represent the vertebrate sister group and, as invertebrates, they rely only on innate immunity for their defence. As regards TLRs, two transcripts have been described and characterised in the solitary species Ciona intestinalis, referred to as CiTLR1 and CiTLR2. Using the Ciona TLR nucleotide sequences, we mined our available transcriptome of the colonial ascidian Botryllus schlosseri looking for similar sequences. We were able to identify a sequence, with similarity to CiTLR2 and, through in silico transduction and subsequent sequence analysis, we studied the domain content of the putative protein. The sequence, called BsTLR1, has a TIR and a transmembrane domain, four LLR and two LRR-CT domains. It is actively transcribed by both phagocytes and morula cells, the two circulating immunocyte types. In addition, we analysed bstlr1 transcription in vivo and in vitro, in different phases of the Botryllus blastogenetic cycle and under various experimental conditions. Our data show that there is a change in gene expression and mRNA location, according to the blastogenetic phase. Furthermore, we used a commercial antibody raised against the ectodomain of hTLR5 to study the possible functional role of Botryllus TLR(s). We observed that anti-hTLR5 significantly decreased in vitro phagocytosis and morula cell degranulation, two typical responses to the recognition of nonself. Collectively, our data add new information on the mechanisms of nonself recognition in a colonial ascidian.
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Insights into the Complement System of Tunicates: C3a/C5aR of the Colonial Ascidian Botryllus schlosseri. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9090263. [PMID: 32882947 PMCID: PMC7565592 DOI: 10.3390/biology9090263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
As an evolutionary ancient component of the metazoan immune defense toolkit, the complement system can modulate cells and humoral responses of both innate and (in jawed vertebrates) adaptive immunity. All the three known complement-activation pathways converge on the cleavage of C3 to C3a and C3b. The anaphylatoxin C3a behaves as a chemokine in inflammatory responses, whereas C3b exerts an opsonic role and, ultimately, can activate the lytic pathway. C3aR, one of the mammalian receptors for C3a, is a member of the G-protein-coupled receptor family sharing seven transmembrane alpha helixes. C3aR can act as a chemokine and recruit neutrophils, triggering degranulation and respiratory burst, which initiates an inflammatory reaction. Mining the transcriptome of the colonial ascidian Botryllus schlosseri, we identified a transcript showing homology with both mammalian C3aR and C5aR. The gene (bsc3/c5ar) is actively transcribed in morula cells, the circulating immunocyte triggering the inflammatory reactions in response to the recognition of nonself. Its transcription is modulated during the recurrent cycles of asexual reproduction known as blastogenetic cycles. Moreover, the treatment of hemocytes with C3aR agonist, induces a significant increase in the transcription of BsC3, revealing the presence of an autocrine feedback system able to modulate the expression of C3 in order to obtain a rapid clearance of potentially dangerous nonself cells or particles. The obtained results support the previously proposed role of complement as one of the main humoral components of the immune response in tunicates and stress the importance of morula cells in botryllid ascidian innate immunity.
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Arenas Gómez CM, Sabin KZ, Echeverri K. Wound healing across the animal kingdom: Crosstalk between the immune system and the extracellular matrix. Dev Dyn 2020; 249:834-846. [PMID: 32314465 PMCID: PMC7383677 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue regeneration is widespread in the animal kingdom. To date, key roles for different molecular and cellular programs in regeneration have been described, but the ultimate blueprint for this talent remains elusive. In animals capable of tissue regeneration, one of the most crucial stages is wound healing, whose main goal is to close the wound and prevent infection. In this stage, it is necessary to avoid scar formation to facilitate the activation of the immune system and remodeling of the extracellular matrix, key factors in promoting tissue regeneration. In this review, we will discuss the current state of knowledge regarding the role of the immune system and the interplay with the extracellular matrix to trigger a regenerative response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M. Arenas Gómez
- Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, Marine Biological LaboratoryWoods HoleMassachusettsUSA
| | - Keith Z. Sabin
- Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, Marine Biological LaboratoryWoods HoleMassachusettsUSA
| | - Karen Echeverri
- Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering, Marine Biological LaboratoryWoods HoleMassachusettsUSA
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Peronato A, Drago L, Rothbächer U, Macor P, Ballarin L, Franchi N. Complement system and phagocytosis in a colonial protochordate. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 103:103530. [PMID: 31669308 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.103530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the present work, we investigated, in the colonial ascidian Botryllus schlosseri, the role of complement C3 (BsC3) in phagocytosis. We studied the modulation of BsC3 transcription in the course of the colonial blastogenetic cycle, with particular reference to the takeover, when apoptotic cells in the tissues of old zooids are cleared by circulating phagocytes. In situ hybridisation with BsC3 riboprobes labelled only morula cells, the most abundant haemocytes. Anti-hC3 antibody recognised morula cells and also phagocytes when haemocytes were previously incubated with zymosan. The inhibition of C3 activation prevented the labelling of phagocytes. In phagocytosis assays with haemocytes from colonies injected with anti-hC3 antibody or bsc3 iRNA, the capability to ingest target cells was significantly (p < 0.001) reduced. Therefore, our results strongly support a key role of BsC3 in phagocytosis and open to new investigations on the nature of the receptors of the products of BsC3 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Drago
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Macor
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
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16
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Fu YW, Zhu CK, Zhang QZ. Molecular characterization and expression analysis of complement component C3 in southern catfish (Silurus meridionalis) and a whole mount in situ hybridization study on its ontogeny. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 84:865-875. [PMID: 30389643 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.10.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The complement system plays an important role in protecting fish against attack by pathogens early in life. Complement component C3 is a central component in the complement system. The present work aimed to clone the full length C3 cDNA sequence of southern catfish (Silurus meridionalis), detect the tissue expression patterns of C3, investigate the ontogeny of C3 in embryo and larva, and assess the expression of C3 in response to pathogen infection. The full length C3 cDNA sequence of 5157 bp with an open reading frame (ORF) of 4938 bp was cloned from southern catfish. The deduced amino acid sequence showed similarity with other teleost fish. The mRNA expression of C3 was detected in liver, spleen, stomach, intestine, and head kidney with RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. Whole mount in situ hybridization results revealed that C3 was first expressed in the yolk syncytial layer at 34 h post fertilization (hpf), followed by the liver at 36 h post hatching (hph). When challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila, the transcripts of C3 showed a significant up-regulation in liver and spleen at 24 h. The results suggested that complement C3 played a key role in defense against invading pathogens in the early development stages of southern catfish. Therefore, these results provide important information to understand the functions of C3 during fish early development in Siluriformes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Wu Fu
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Jinan University, Engineering Research Center of Tropical and Subtropical Aquatic Ecological Engineering Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Eutrophication and Red Tide Prevention of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, West 601, Huangpu Avenue, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Ke Zhu
- College of Animal Science, Southwest University Rongchang Campus, 160 Xueyuan Road, Rongchang District, Chongqing, 402460, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi-Zhong Zhang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Jinan University, Engineering Research Center of Tropical and Subtropical Aquatic Ecological Engineering Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Eutrophication and Red Tide Prevention of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, West 601, Huangpu Avenue, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China.
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Cui Y, Wei Z, Shen Y, Li C, Shao Y, Zhang W, Zhao X. A novel C1q-domain-containing protein from razor clam Sinonovacula constricta mediates G-bacterial agglutination as a pattern recognition receptor. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 79:166-174. [PMID: 29100917 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Complement component 1q (C1q) with a characteristic C1q globular domain is an important pattern recognition molecule in the classical complement systems and plays a major role in the crosslinking between innate immunity and specific immunity in vertebrates. In this study, a homologous gene encoding typically C1q domains was obtained from the razor clam Sinonovacula constricta (designated ScC1qDC) by rapid amplification of the cDNA end. The full-length cDNA of ScC1qDC was 1225 bp in length with a 5'UTR of 258 bp, a 3'UTR of 223 bp, and an open reading frame of 744 bp encoding a polypeptide of 247 amino acids containing a typical C1q globular domain. The mRNA transcripts of ScC1qDC were constitutively transcribed in all examined tissues with higher expression in the hepatopancreas. Time-course expression analysis indicated that ScC1qDC was significantly up-regulated both in hepatopancreas and gills after Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge. The recombinant ScC1qDC (rScC1qDC) displayed high binding activities to various pathogen-associated molecular patterns, including LPS, PGN, and MAN. Recombinant ScC1qDC showed no agglutinating activity to Gram-positive bacterium of Micrococcus luteus but showed obvious activities towards all the three examined Gram-negative bacteria. All our results indicated that ScC1qDC might be served as a pattern recognition receptor and promoted Gram-negative bacteria agglutination during the pathogen challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cui
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
| | - Zhixin Wei
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
| | - Yaoyao Shen
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
| | - Chenghua Li
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China.
| | - Yina Shao
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
| | - Xuelin Zhao
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, PR China
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Cima F, Peronato A, Ballarin L. The haemocytes of the colonial aplousobranch ascidian Diplosoma listerianum: Structural, cytochemical and functional analyses. Micron 2017; 102:51-64. [PMID: 28889072 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Diplosoma listerianum is a colonial aplousobranch ascidian of the family Didemnidae that is native to the northeast Atlantic and exhibits a cosmopolitan distribution in temperate waters. It lacks a shared colonial circulation crossing the tunic, and the zooids are connected only by the common tunic. In the present study, the haemocytes of this ascidian were analysed via light and electron microscopy. Their phagocytic and enzymatic activities, staining and immunostaining properties, and lectin affinity were examined with various classical methods reconsidered and modified for small marine invertebrates. Eight morphotypes were identified in reference to corresponding cell types described in other ascidians: undifferentiated cells (haemoblasts), storage cells for nitrogenous catabolites (nephrocytes) and immunocytes. The immunocytes are involved in immune responses, acting as (1) phagocytes, rich in hydrolases and involved in the clearance of both foreign particles and effete cells (hyaline amoebocytes and macrophage-like cells); (2) cytotoxic cells, able to degranulate and induce cytotoxicity through the release of the enzyme phenoloxidase after an immune stimulus (granular amoebocytes and morula cells); and (3) basophilic cells with an affinity for ConA and NPA that contain heparin and histamine and that show sensitivity to the compound 48/80, promoting their degranulation (mast cell-like granulocytes). In addition, a particular cell type showing exceptional development of the Golgi apparatus and large vacuoles containing a filamentous material has been recognised (spherule cell), for which a role in tunic repair and fibrogenesis has been hypothesised.
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Franchi N, Ballarin L. Immunity in Protochordates: The Tunicate Perspective. Front Immunol 2017; 8:674. [PMID: 28649250 PMCID: PMC5465252 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tunicates are the closest relatives of vertebrates, and their peculiar phylogenetic position explains the increasing interest toward tunicate immunobiology. They are filter-feeding organisms, and this greatly influences their defense strategies. The majority of the studies on tunicate immunity were carried out in ascidians. The tunic acts as a first barrier against pathogens and parasites. In addition, the oral siphon and the pharynx represent two major, highly vascularized, immune organs, where circulating hemocytes can sense non-self material and trigger immune responses that, usually, lead to inflammation and phagocytosis. Inflammation involves the recruitment of circulating cytotoxic, phenoloxidase (PO)-containing cells in the infected area, where they degranulate as a consequence of non-self recognition and release cytokines, complement factors, and the enzyme PO. The latter, acting on polyphenol substrata, produces cytotoxic quinones, which polymerize to melanin, and reactive oxygen species, which induce oxidative stress. Both the alternative and the lectin pathways of complement activation converge to activate C3: C3a and C3b are involved in the recruitment of hemocytes and in the opsonization of foreign materials, respectively. The interaction of circulating professional phagocytes with potentially pathogenic foreign material can be direct or mediated by opsonins, either complement dependent or complement independent. Together with cytotoxic cells, phagocytes are active in the encapsulation of large materials. Cells involved in immune responses, collectively called immunocytes, represent a large fraction of hemocytes, and the presence of a cross talk between cytotoxic cells and phagocytes, mediated by secreted humoral factors, was reported. Lectins play a pivotal role as pattern-recognition receptors and opsonizing agents. In addition, variable region-containing chitin-binding proteins, identified in the solitary ascidian Ciona intestinalis, control the settlement and colonization of bacteria in the gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Franchi
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Nicola F, Loriano B. Morula cells as key hemocytes of the lectin pathway of complement activation in the colonial tunicate Botryllus schlosseri. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 63:157-164. [PMID: 28189764 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The complement system is deeply rooted in the evolution of humoral mechanism of innate immunity. In addition to the alternative pathway of complement activation, lectins and associated serine proteases exert important roles in the recognition of non-self and activation of the effectors. In the colonial tunicate Botryllus schlosseri, we identified, characterized and studied the expression of three orthologues of genes involved in the lectin pathway of complement activation of vertebrates, i.e., genes for a mannose-binding lectin (MBL), a ficolin and a mannose-associated serine protease 1 (MASP1). All the genes are transcribed by hemocytes, and specifically by morula cells, the same immunocytes responsible for the transcription of C3 and Bf orthologues. The transcription levels of MASP1 and ficolin orthologues are not affected by zymosan challenge, indicating a constitutive expression of complement system associated serine proteases, whereas the MBL orthologue is up-regulated after 15 min of zymosan exposure. Collectively, our data suggest the presence of a complete lectin activation pathway in Botryllus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franchi Nicola
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35100, Padova, Italy.
| | - Ballarin Loriano
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35100, Padova, Italy
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Cima F, Franchi N. Histamine Stimulates Ciliary Beat Frequency via the H2 Receptor in the ProtochordateBotryllus schlosseri. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2016; 326:176-92. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cima
- Department of Biology; University of Padova; Padova Italy
| | - Nicola Franchi
- Department of Biology; University of Padova; Padova Italy
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Campagna D, Gasparini F, Franchi N, Vitulo N, Ballin F, Manni L, Valle G, Ballarin L. Transcriptome dynamics in the asexual cycle of the chordate Botryllus schlosseri. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:275. [PMID: 27038623 PMCID: PMC4818882 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2598-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We performed an analysis of the transcriptome during the blastogenesis of the chordate Botryllus schlosseri, focusing in particular on genes involved in cell death by apoptosis. The tunicate B. schlosseri is an ascidian forming colonies characterized by the coexistence of three blastogenetic generations: filter-feeding adults, buds on adults, and budlets on buds. Cyclically, adult tissues undergo apoptosis and are progressively resorbed and replaced by their buds originated by asexual reproduction. This is a feature of colonial tunicates, the only known chordates that can reproduce asexually. Results Thanks to a newly developed web-based platform (http://botryllus.cribi.unipd.it), we compared the transcriptomes of the mid-cycle, the pre-take-over, and the take-over phases of the colonial blastogenetic cycle. The platform is equipped with programs for comparative analysis and allows to select the statistical stringency. We enriched the genome annotation with 11,337 new genes; 581 transcripts were resolved as complete open reading frames, translated in silico into amino acid sequences and then aligned onto the non-redundant sequence database. Significant differentially expressed genes were classified within the gene ontology categories. Among them, we recognized genes involved in apoptosis activation, de-activation, and regulation. Conclusions With the current work, we contributed to the improvement of the first released B. schlosseri genome assembly and offer an overview of the transcriptome changes during the blastogenetic cycle, showing up- and down-regulated genes. These results are important for the comprehension of the events underlying colony growth and regression, cell proliferation, colony homeostasis, and competition among different generations. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2598-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Campagna
- CRIBI Biotechnology Centre, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Fabio Gasparini
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Nicola Franchi
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Nicola Vitulo
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131, Padova, Italy.,Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Ballin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Lucia Manni
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131, Padova, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Valle
- CRIBI Biotechnology Centre, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131, Padova, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Loriano Ballarin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi, 58/B, 35131, Padova, Italy
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