Complement regulatory protein genes in channel catfish and their involvement in disease defense response

Assessing the role of ulvan as immunonutrient in Solea senegalensis

Immunonutrition is a promising and viable strategy for the development of prophylactic measures in aquaculture. Ulvan, a sulphated marine polysaccharide from green seaweeds, has many biological activities including the immunomodulatory ones. The aim of this study was to assess the short and long-term effects of an ulvan-rich extract obtained from U. ohnoi as immunonutrient in Senegalese sole juveniles. In this work, an ulvan-rich extract from Ulva ohnoi has been obtained by the hot water method and isolated by ethanol precipitation. The FTIR analysis revealed that the ulvan-rich extact had very similar characteristics to previously published ulvan spectra. The total sulfate and protein content was 24.85 ± 3.98 and 0.91 ± 0.04 %, respectively. In vitro assays performed in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) macrophages showed that the ulvan obtained in this study did not compromise the cell viability at concentrations up to 1 mg ml-1 and expression levels of lyg, irf1, il6, il10, c7, tf and txn were significantly upregulated in a concentration dependent-manner. Finally, S. senegalensis juveniles were fed basal diets and diets supplemented with the ulvan-rich extract at ratios 1 and 2 % for 30 days and then, challenged with Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida (Phdp). Thereafter, ulvan was withdrawn from the diet and all juveniles were fed the basal diet for 30 days. At 30 days post withdrawal (dpw), juveniles were challenged with Phdp. The expression profiles of a set of genes related to the immune system in spleen were evaluated as well as the lysozyme, peroxidase and bactericidal activity in plasma. Dietary effects of 1 % ulvan resulted in a boost of the immune response and increased disease resistance at short-term whereas juveniles fed diets supplemented with 2 % ulvan showed a significant decrease in the bactericidal activity and lack of protection against Phdp. At long-term (30 days after the withdrawal of ulvan), an improved response was observed in juveniles previously fed 1 % ulvan.

Mapping of a major QTL for increased robustness and detection of genome assembly errors in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer)

BACKGROUND

For Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer, Bloch 1790) cultured at sea cages various aquatic pathogens, complex environmental and stress factors are considered as leading causes of disease, causing tens of millions of dollars of annual economic losses. Over the years, we conducted farm-based challenges by exposing Asian seabass juveniles to complex natural environmental conditions. In one of these challenges, we collected a total of 1,250 fish classified as either 'sensitive' or 'robust' individuals during the 28-day observation period.

RESULTS

We constructed a high-resolution linkage map with 3,089 SNPs for Asian seabass using the double digest Restriction-site Associated DNA (ddRAD) technology and a performed a search for Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) associated with robustness. The search detected a major genome-wide significant QTL for increased robustness in pathogen-infected marine environment on linkage group 11 (ASB_LG11; 88.9 cM to 93.6 cM) with phenotypic variation explained of 81.0%. The QTL was positioned within a > 800 kb genomic region located at the tip of chromosome ASB_LG11 with two Single Nucleotide Polymorphism markers, R1-38468 and R1-61252, located near to the two ends of the QTL. When the R1-61252 marker was validated experimentally in a different mass cross population, it showed a statistically significant association with increased robustness. The majority of thirty-six potential candidate genes located within the QTL have known functions related to innate immunity, stress response or disease. By utilizing this ddRAD-based map, we detected five mis-assemblies corresponding to four chromosomes, namely ASB_LG8, ASB_LG9, ASB_LG15 and ASB_LG20, in the current Asian seabass reference genome assembly.

CONCLUSION

According to our knowledge, the QTL associated with increased robustness is the first such finding from a tropical fish species. Depending on further validation in other stocks and populations, it might be potentially useful for selecting robust Asian seabass lines in selection programs.

Growth Performance, Survival, Blood Chemistry, and Immune Gene Expression of Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) Fed Probiotic-Supplemented Diets

The channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) farming industry is the largest and one of the oldest aquaculture industries in the United States. Despite being an established industry, production issues stemming from disease outbreaks remain problematic for producers. Supplementing fish diets with probiotics to enhance the immune system and growth potential is one approach to mitigating disease. Although considerable laboratory data demonstrate efficacy, these results do not always translate to natural modes of disease transmission. Hence, the present work was conducted in the laboratory but incorporated flow-through water from large catfish pond production systems, allowing for natural exposure to pathogens. Two feeding trials were conducted in an 18-tank aquaria system housing two different sizes, 34.8 ± 12.5 g and 0.36 ± 0.03 g, of channel catfish. Channel catfish in the first trial were fed three experimental diets over six weeks. Commercial diets were top-coated with two selected spore-forming Bacillus spp. probiotics, Bacillus velezensis AP193 (1 × 106 CFU g−1) and BiOWiSH (3.6 × 104 CFU g−1), or a basal diet that contained no dietary additive. In the second eight-week trial, diets were top-coated with BiOWiSH at three concentrations (1.8, 3.6, and 7.3 × 104 CFU g−1), along with one basal diet (no probiotic). At the completion of these studies, growth performance, survival, hematocrit, blood chemistry, and immune expression of interleukin 1β (il1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (tnf-α), interleukin-8 (il8), transforming-growth factor β1 (tgf-β1), and toll-like receptor 9 (tlr9) were evaluated using qPCR. Trial results revealed no differences (p > 0.05) among treatments concerning growth, survival, or hematological parameters. For immune gene expression, interesting trends were discerned, with substantial downregulation observed in B. velezensis AP193-fed fish for il1β, tnf-α, and tlr9 expression within splenic tissue, compared to that of the basal and BiOWiSH diets (p < 0.05). However, the results were not statistically significant for anterior kidney tissue in the first trial. In the second trial, varied levels of probiotic inclusion revealed no significant impact of BiOWiSH’s products on the expression of il1β, tnf-α, il8, and tgf-β1 in both spleen and kidney tissue at any rate of probiotic inclusion (p > 0.05). Based on these findings, more research on utilizing probiotics in flow-through systems with natural infection conditions is crucial to ensure consistency from a controlled laboratory scale to real-world practices.

Genome-Wide Analysis of Alternative Splicing (AS) Mechanism Provides Insights into Salinity Adaptation in the Livers of Three Euryhaline Teleosts, including Scophthalmus maximus, Cynoglossus semilaevis and Oncorhynchus mykiss

Simple Summary

Alternative splicing (AS) is a key post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism that acts an important regulator in response to environmental stimuli in organisms. In the present study, 18 RNA-Seq datasets were utilized to investigate the potential roles of AS in response to different salinity environments in the livers of three euryhaline teleosts, including turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The results indicated that different salinity environments changed the splicing patterns of numerous RNA splicing regulators, which might affect the splicing decisions of many downstream target genes in response to salinity changes. This study provides preliminary evidence for the important roles of AS events in salinity adaptation in teleosts.

Abstract

Salinity is an important environmental factor that directly affects the survival of aquatic organisms, including fish. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of salinity adaptation at post-transcriptional regulation levels is still poorly understood in fish. In the present study, 18 RNA-Seq datasets were utilized to investigate the potential roles of alternative splicing (AS) in response to different salinity environments in the livers of three euryhaline teleosts, including turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). A total of 10,826, 10,741 and 10,112 AS events were identified in the livers of the three species. The characteristics of these AS events were systematically investigated. Furthermore, a total of 940, 590 and 553 differentially alternative splicing (DAS) events were determined and characterized in the livers of turbot, tongue sole and steelhead trout, respectively, between low- and high-salinity environments. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these DAS genes in the livers of three species were commonly enriched in some GO terms and KEGG pathways associated with RNA processing. The most common DAS genes work as RNA-binding proteins and play crucial roles in the regulation of RNA splicing. The study provides new insights into uncovering the molecular mechanisms of salinity adaptation in teleosts.

Evaluation of an oral DNA nanovaccine against photobacteriosis in Solea senegalensis

Infectious diseases are one of the main causes of social and economical losses in world aquaculture. Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) is an important species for aquaculture in southern Europe, whose production is affected by the appearance of bacterial diseases such as photobacteriosis, a septicemia caused by Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida (Phdp). The aim of this study was to obtain an oral DNA nanovaccine and to evaluate its efficacy against Phdp in S. senegalensis juveniles. For this purpose, the amplified product corresponding to the protein inosine-5'-monophophate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) from Phdp, was cloned into the expression vector pcDNA™6.2/C-EmGFP-GW obtaining the DNA vaccine named as pPDPimpdh. The correct transcription and protein expression was verified at 48 h post tansfection in HEK293 cells. Chitosan nanoparticles (CS-TPP NPs) were prepared by ionotropic gelation and their features were appropriate for use as oral delivery system. Therefore, pPDPimpdh was protected with chitosan CS-TPP NPs throughout complex coacervation method giving as a result a DNA nanovaccine referred as CS-TPP+pPDPimpdh NPs. Sole juveniles were vaccinated orally with CS-TPP NPs, pPDPimpdh and CS-TPP+pPDPimpdh NPs followed by a challenge with Phdp at 30 days post vaccination (dpv). The relative percentage survival (RPS) for pPDPimpdh vaccinated groups was 6.25%, probably due to its degradation in the digestive tract. RPS value obtained for CS-TPP NPs and CS-TPP+pPDPimpdh NPs was 40% and antibodies were observed in both cases. However, a delay in mortality was observed in sole juveniles vaccinated orally with CS-TPP+pPDPimpdh NPs. In fact, an upregulation of tf, mhcII, cd8a and igm in the posterior gut and c3, hamp1, tf and cd4 in spleen was observed in juveniles vaccinated with CS-TPP+pPDPimpdh NPs. After challenge, a modulation of cd8a and cd4 expression levels in the posterior gut and c3, tf, lyg, cd4, igm and igt expression levels in spleen was observed. Moreover, the concentration of lysozyme in skin mucus significantly increased in fish vaccinated orally with CS-TPP+pPDPimpdh NPs at 11 dpc. These data indicate that oral vaccination with CS-TPP+pPDPimpdh NPs could be acting through the non-specific immune responses as well as the specific humoral and cell mediated immunity and provide the first step toward a development of an oral DNA nanovaccine against Phdp in sole.

Complement genes in black rockfish (Sebastods schlegelii): genome-wide identification, evolution and their potential functions in response to Vibrio anguillarum infection

As complex components of innate immune system, members of complement system play crucial roles during the process of defensing against pathogens. Black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) is one of the important aquaculture species in East Asian. However, studies of complement genes in black rockfish and its related immune activities are still lacking. Therefore, a total of 112 members of the complement genes were identified from the genome of black rockfish and were classified into five subgroups. According to their functional annotations, 30 genes belonged to pattern recognition, 6 genes belonged to proteases, 14 genes belonged to complement components, 36 genes belonged to receptors, and 26 genes belonged to regulators. It can be found that many complement genes evolved into multi-copies, especially in teleost, which may be influenced by whole-genome duplication or tandem duplication events. Complement genes were randomly distributed on 22 chromosomes. The number of introns of complement genes varied from 1 to 70. Results of the expression patterns of 10 randomly selected genes from 5 subtypes response to Vibrio anguillarum infection revealed that most of the members of the complement genes were induced in gill and skin. In contrast, most genes in intestine showed downregulation. This study systematically characterized and analyzed the complement genes in black rockfish and provided new insights into their functions responding to bacterial infection.

Ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis) CD46 isoforms protect the cells from autologous complement attack

CD46 is an important immune regulatory receptor with multiple functions. However, studies on the function of teleost CD46, especially the different CD46 isoforms are limited. In this study, we identified three membrane cofactor protein (MCP, CD46) gene isoforms from ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis) and tentatively named as PaCD46 isoforms. PaCD46 isoforms were generated by alternative splicing and all consisted of four conserved short consensus repeats (SCRs), and the variable serine-threonine-proline-rich domain, transmembrane hydrophobic domain, and cytoplasmic tail. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the isoforms clustered together with other fish CD46 and then with higher animal CD46. Western blotting analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) revealed three bands, all of which had much larger molecular weights than the theoretical values of the three PaCD46 isoforms. Moreover, three PaCD46 isoforms were individually expressed on HEK293 cells, and Western blotting showed the similar band profile to that of PBMC. The recombinant extracellular domain of the PaCD46 isoforms, obtained by expression in Pichia pastoris, significantly reduced hemolysis activity of ayu sera. Furthermore, each of the three PaCD46 isoforms respectively protected the HEK293 cells expressing the isoform. The isoforms were also identified for their protection of autologous PBMC from complement activation. These results provided the first evidence that PaCD46 isoforms may be complement regulatory proteins to prevent complement-induced damage to self-tissue.

Effects of the sulfated polysaccharide ulvan from Ulva ohnoi on the modulation of the immune response in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis)

Sulfated polysaccharides derived from green seaweeds exhibit many beneficial biological activities and have great potential to be used as nutraceutical in aquaculture. In this work, we evaluated the effects of the sulfated polysaccharide ulvan from Ulva ohnoi on Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) juveniles at the transcriptomic level. Cytotoxicity assay performed in liver primary cell cultures from sole determined that the different ulvan concentrations assayed did not impair cell viability. Juveniles were intraperitoneally (IP) injected with ulvan (0.5 mg/fish) followed by a challenge with Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida (Phdp) at 7 days. RNASeq analyses at 2 days post injection (dpi) revealed that 402 transcripts were differentially expressed in liver between ulvan IP injected and control groups before the challenge. Genes related to bacterial and antiviral defence, complement system, chemokines, proteasomes and antigen presentation were upregulated in ulvan treated groups. A detailed expression analysis of sixteen genes related to innate and adaptive immune system was performed in two systemic tissues: liver and spleen. Ulvan injection provoked the upregulation of tlr22 and a transient inflammatory response was initiated in both liver and spleen at 2 dpi. As consequence, expression of acute phase proteins, antimicrobial peptides and complement genes was induced. Moreover, expression of mhcI, mhcII, psmb10 and bcl6 was also induced 2 dpi. At 2 dpi with Phdp, inflammatory cytokines and genes related to bacterial and antiviral defense, iron metabolism, complement system and antigen presentation were differentially modulated in survival juveniles previously IP injected with ulvan. Moreover, mortality was retarded in ulvan treated juveniles. These results provide new evidence about the role of ulvan as a bioactive compound with immunomodulatory activity in Senegalese sole as well as its possible use as vaccine adjuvant against Phdp. This is the first published study that evaluates the transcriptomic response of Senegalese sole IP injected with ulvan.

Identification of signal pathways for immunotoxicity in the spleen of common carp exposed to chlorpyrifos

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is an environmental pollutant due to its high toxicity to aquatic animals. Because CPF was detected in aquatic environments in many countries, it has been widely concerned by researchers. Although the immunotoxicity of CPF to fish had been reported, the immunotoxicity mechanism is still not clear. Recently, transcriptome analysis has become a major method to study the toxic mechanism of pollutants in environmental toxicology. However, the immunotoxicity identification of CPF on fish had not been reported by transcriptome analysis. In the present study, we examined the effects of CPF on organismal system in the spleen of common carp by transcriptome analysis. We have successfully constructed a database of transcriptome analysis of carp spleens under exposure to CPF and found 773 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (including 498 up-regulated DEGs and 275 down-regulated DEGs) and 4 branches (containing 33 known KEGG pathways). Some genes associated with the 4 pathways (Complement and coagulation cascades, PPAR signaling pathway, Fat digestion and absorption, and Collecting duct acid secretion) contained in organismal system were validated by quantitative real-time PCR and showed significant improvement compared with the control group. Our results indicated that exposure to CPF caused a change in the signal pathways of organismal system in carp spleens. The present study provides new insights into the immunotoxicity mechanism and risk assessment of CPF, as well as references for comparative medicine.

FOXO genes in channel catfish and their response after bacterial infection

FOXO proteins are a subgroup of the forkhead family of transcription factors that play crucial roles in lifespan regulation. In addition, FOXO proteins are also involved in immune responses. After a systematic study of FOXO genes in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, seven FOXO genes were identified and characterized, including FOXO1a, FOXO1b, FOXO3a, FOXO3b, FOXO4, FOXO6a and FOXO6b. Through phylogenetic and syntenic analyses, it was found that FOXO1, FOXO3 and FOXO6 were duplicated in the catfish genome, as in the zebrafish genome. Analysis of the relative rates of nonsynonymous (dN) and synonymous (dS) substitutions revealed that the FOXO genes were globally strongly constrained by negative selection. Differential expression patterns were observed in the majority of FOXO genes after Edwardsiella ictaluri and Flavobacterium columnare infections. After E. ictaluri infection, four FOXO genes with orthologs in mammal species were significantly upregulated, where FOXO6b was the most dramatically upregulated. However, after F. columnare infection, the expression levels of almost all FOXO genes were not significantly affected. These results suggested that either a pathogenesis-specific pattern or tissue-specific pattern existed in catfish after these two bacterial infections. Taken together, these findings indicated that FOXO genes may play important roles in immune responses to bacterial infections in catfish.

pik3r3b, a novel immune-related gene in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): Identification, expression and analysis of antibacterial activity

A full-length cDNA encoding phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit gamma b gene in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), termed as On-pik3r3b, was identified and characterized in this study. The sequence analysis demonstrated that the full-length cDNA of On-pik3r3b was 2018 bp, containing a 5' untranslated region (UTR) of 171 bp, an open reading frame (ORF) of 1422 bp and a 3' UTR of 425 bp. Its protein sequence displayed a high degree of identity with other fish. Using qPCR, the expression patterns of On-pik3r3b were investigated. In healthy Nile tilapia, the transcripts of On-pik3r3b were detected in all examined tissues, except the skin. Upon the stimulation with Streptococcus agalactiae, the On-pik3r3b expression level in liver, spleen, kidney and gill were significantly increased at 12 h after infection. The recombinant On-pik3r3b showed in vitro antibacterial activity, against S. agalactiae and E. coli. Our observation strongly indicates that On-pik3r3b is involved in the innate immune response in Nile tilapia.

The systematic identification and mRNA expression profiles post viral or bacterial challenge of complement system in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella

Complement system is an immemorial and pivotal element in innate immunity, protecting individuals from invading pathogens. Due to the emergence of whole genomes and functional researches, systematic identifications of complement system are feasible in many non-model species. In the present study, BLAST analysis was employed to systematically identify and characterize complement system in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). The results showed that C. idella complement system consists of 64 members, including the complement system pattern recognition, proteases, complement components, receptors and regulators. In which, most genes were well conserved with those in higher vertebrates over the course of evolution. Phylogenetic and syntenic analyses revealed their homologous relationships with other species. mRNA expression analyses of complement system related genes indicated that many members are sustainably expressed in multiple tissues before and after grass carp reovirus (GCRV) or Aeromonas hydrophila infection, which provide in vivo evidence for the response patterns of complement system after viral or bacterial infection. Meanwhile, this study also explored the evolution of complement system from ancestral protists to mammals and then investigated the changes in gene diversification during the evolution. These results will serve the comparative studies on the complement system in evolution and further functional investigations in C. idella.

A Review of Molecular Responses of Catfish to Bacterial Diseases and Abiotic Stresses

Catfish is one of the major aquaculture species in the United States. However, the catfish industry is threatened by several bacterial diseases such as enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC), columnaris disease and Aeromonas disease, as well as by abiotic stresses such as high temperature and low oxygen. Research has been conducted for several decades to understand the host responses to these diseases and abiotic stresses. With the development of sequencing technologies, and the application of genome-wide association studies in aquaculture species, significant progress has been made. This review article summarizes recent progress in understanding the molecular responses of catfish after bacterial infection and stress challenges, and in understanding of genomic and genetic basis for disease resistance and stress tolerance.

The complement factor H (CFH) and its related protein 2 (CFHR2) mediating immune response in large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea

Complement is a complex innate immune surveillance system, playing a key role in host homeostasis, inflammation, and in the defense against pathogens. Complement regulators are crucial to prevent the injudicious production of these mediators and potential injury to self tissues. Here, we identified the complement factor H (CFH) and its related gene 2 (CFHR2) homologs from large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea), named LcCfh and LcCfhr2, respectively. The deduced LcCfh and LcCfhr2 proteins shared significant structural similarities and identified codes for a polypeptide consisting of various numbers of highly conserved SCR domains. LcCfh, LcCfhr1 and LcCfhr2 genes were detected in all examined tissues with predominantly expressions in liver, spleen and kidney, and their expressions all increased upon Vibrio alginolyticus challenge. In vitro assays showed that recombinant LcCfh was likely to act as a cofactor of CFI and played a negative regulation role in complement system, when recombinant LcCfhr2 seemed to play mechanisms independent of the activity of CFH. Both recombinant LcCfh and LcCfhr2 took participate in inflammatory reaction despite of the inequal ability to mediate pro-inflammation response. These data provide a new insight into the functional activities of teleost complement system.

JAK and STAT members in channel catfish: Identification, phylogenetic analysis and expression profiling after Edwardsiella ictaluri infection

The Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway is one of the main pleiotropic cascades used to transmit information from extracellular receptors to the nucleus, which results in DNA transcription and expression of genes involved in immunity, proliferation, differentiation, migration, apoptosis, and cell survival. Members of JAK family and STAT family have been extensively studied in different mammalian species because of their important roles in innate and adaptive immune responses. However, they have not been systematically studied among teleost fish species. In this study, five JAK family members and eight STAT family members were identified and characterized from channel catfish. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted to properly annotate these genes. Syntenic analysis was also conducted to establish orthology, and confirm the results from phylogenetic analysis. Compared to mammals, more members of the JAK and STAT family were identified in channel catfish genome. Expression of JAK and STAT family members was detected in healthy catfish tissues, but was induced in gill, liver, and intestine after bacterial challenge. Notably, the significant upregulation of STAT1b gene in catfish liver, gill and intestine after Edwardsiella ictaluri infection supported the notion that high STAT1 expression are involved in defense against pathogens. Collectively, the increased expression of JAK and STAT members in tested tissues suggested their crucial function in defending the host against pathogen invasion.

Characterization of a teleost membrane-associated protein that is involved in the regulation of complement activation and bacterial infection

In mammals, membrane-associated complement regulatory proteins (MCRP) can protect host cells from the damaging of the activated complement. In teleost, few studies on the function of MCRP have been documented. In the present report, we identified a MCRP (named CsMCRP) from the teleost fish tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis and examined its immune function. CsMCRP shares moderate sequence identities with fish DAF-like molecules. CsMCRP was predicted to be a transmembrane protein with three short consensus repeats located in the extracellular region. CsMCRP expression occurred in nine different tissues, especially blood, and in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL). Recombinant CsMCRP inhibited complement activation and interacted with bacterial pathogen, the latter in a highly selective manner. Antibody blocking the CsMCRP on PBL significantly inhibited bacterial infection of PBL. These results indicate that teleost CsMCRP is both a regulator of complement activation and a cellular receptor involved in bacterial invasion.

Identification of NF-κB related genes in channel catfish and their expression profiles in mucosal tissues after columnaris bacterial infection

Interactions of NF-κB family, IκB family and IKK complex are the key components of NF-κB pathway that is essential for many biological processes including innate and adaptive immunity, inflammation and stress responses. In spite of their importance, systematic analysis of these genes in fish has been lacking. Here we report a systematic study of the NF-κB related genes in channel catfish. Five NF-κB family genes, five IκB family genes and three IKK complex genes were identified in the channel catfish genome. Annotation of these 13 NF-κB related genes was further confirmed by phylogenetic and syntenic analysis. Negative selection was found to play a crucial role in the adaptive evolution of these genes. Expression profiles of NF-κB related genes after Flavobacterium columnare (columnaris) infection were determined by analysis of the existing RNA-Seq dataset. The majority of NF-κB related genes were significantly regulated in mucosal tissues of gill, skin and intestine after columnaris infection, indicating their potential involvement in host defense responses. Distinct expression patterns of NF-κB related genes were observed in susceptible and resistant catfish in response to columnaris infection, suggesting that expression of these genes may contribute to the variations in disease resistance/susceptibility of catfish.

Analysis of apolipoprotein genes and their involvement in disease response of channel catfish after bacterial infection

Apolipoproteins are protein component of plasma lipoproteins. They exert crucial roles in lipoprotein metabolism and serve as enzyme cofactors, receptor ligands, and lipid transfer carriers in mammals. In teleosts, apolipoproteins are also involved in diverse processes including embryonic and ontogenic development, liver and digestive system organogenesis, and innate immunity. In this study, we identified a set of 19 apolipoprotein genes in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Phylogenetic analysis and syntenic analysis were conducted to determine their identities and evolutionary relationships. The expression signatures of apolipoproteins in channel catfish were determined in healthy tissues and after infections with two major bacterial pathogens, Edwardsiella ictaluri and Flavobacterium columnare. In healthy channel catfish, most apolipoprotein genes exhibited tissue-specific expression patterns in channel catfish. After ESC and columnaris infections, 5 and 7 apolipoprotein genes were differentially expressed respectively, which presented a pathogen-specific and time-dependent pattern of regulation. After ESC infection, three exchangeable apolipoproteins (apoA-IB, apoC-I, and apoE-B) were suppressed in catfish intestine, while two nonexchangeable apolipoproteins (apoB-A and apoB-B) were slightly up-regulated. After columnaris infection, apoB-B, apoD-B, and apoE-A were significantly down-regulated in catfish gill, while apoF, apoL-IV, apoO-like, and apo-14 kDa showed significantly up-regulation. Taken together, these results suggested that apolipoprotein genes may play significant roles in innate immune responses to bacterial pathogens in channel catfish.

Reduced immune function predicts disease susceptibility in frogs infected with a deadly fungal pathogen

The relationship between amphibian immune function and disease susceptibility is of primary concern given current worldwide declines linked to the pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). We experimentally infected lowland leopard frogs (Lithobates yavapaiensis) with Bd to test the hypothesis that infection causes physiological stress and stimulates humoral and cell-mediated immune function in the blood. We measured body mass, the ratio of circulating neutrophils to lymphocytes (a known indicator of physiological stress) and plasma bacterial killing ability (BKA; a measure of innate immune function). In early exposure (1-15 days post-infection), stress was elevated in Bd-positive vs. Bd-negative frogs, whereas other metrics were similar between the groups. At later stages (29-55 days post-infection), stress was increased in Bd-positive frogs with signs of chytridiomycosis compared with both Bd-positive frogs without disease signs and uninfected control frogs, which were similar to each other. Infection decreased growth during the same period, demonstrating that sustained resistance to Bd is energetically costly. Importantly, BKA was lower in Bd-positive frogs with disease than in those without signs of chytridiomycosis. However, neither group differed from Bd-negative control frogs. The low BKA values in dying frogs compared with infected individuals without disease signs suggests that complement activity might signify different immunogenetic backgrounds or gene-by-environment interactions between the host, Bd and abiotic factors. We conclude that protein complement activity might be a useful predictor of Bd susceptibility and might help to explain differential disease outcomes in natural amphibian populations.

Septin genes in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and their involvement in disease defense responses

Septins are an evolutionarily conserved family of GTP-binding proteins. They are involved in diverse processes including cytokinesis, apoptosis, infection, neurodegeneration and neoplasia. In this study, through thorough data mining of existed channel catfish genomic resources, we identified a complete set of 15 septin genes. Septins were classified into four subgroups according to phylogenetic analysis. Extensive comparative genomic analysis, including domain and syntenic analysis, supported their annotation and orthologies. The expression patterns of septins in channel catfish were examined in healthy tissues and after infection with two major bacterial pathogens, Edwardsiella ictaluri and Flavobacterium columnare. In healthy channel catfish, most septin genes were ubiquitously expressed and presented diversity patterns in various tissues, especially mucosal tissues, proposing the significant roles septin genes may play in maintaining homeostasis and host immune response activities. After bacterial infections, most septin genes were regulated, but opposite direction in expression profiles were found with the two bacterial pathogens: the differentially expressed septin genes were down-regulated in the intestine after E. ictaluri infection while generally up-regulated in the gill after F. columnare infection, suggesting a pathogen-specific and tissue-specific pattern of regulation. Taken together, these results suggested that septin genes may play complex and important roles in the host immune responses to bacterial pathogens in channel catfish.