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Medina BNSP, Portal TM, de Andrade Gomes CAB, Nunes-da-Fonseca R, Allodi S, Monteiro-de-Barros C. Identification of astrocyte-like cells in an adult ascidian during regeneration of the central nervous system. Glia 2024. [PMID: 39152717 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying regeneration of the central nervous system (CNS) following lesions have been studied extensively in both vertebrate and invertebrate models. To shed light on regeneration, ascidians, a sister group of vertebrates and with remarkable ability to regenerate their brains, constitute an appropriate model system. Glial cells have been implicated in regeneration in vertebrates; however, their role in the adult ascidian CNS regeneration is unknown. A model of degeneration and regeneration using the neurotoxin 3-acetylpyridine (3AP) in the brain of the ascidian Styela plicata was used to identify astrocyte-like cells and investigate their role. We studied the CNS of control ascidians (injected with artificial sea water) and of ascidians whose CNS was regenerating (1 and 10 days after the injection with 3AP). Our results show that the mRNA of the ortholog of glutamine synthetase (GS), a glial-cell marker in vertebrates, is increased during the early stages of regeneration. Confirming the identity of GS, the protein was identified via immunostaining in a cell population during the same regeneration stage. Last, a single ortholog of GS (GSII) is present in ascidian and amphioxus genomes, while two types exist in fungi, some invertebrates, and vertebrates, suggesting that ascidians have lost the GSI type. Taken together, our findings revealed that a cell population expressing glial-cell markers may play a role in regeneration in adult ascidians. This is the first report of astrocyte-like cells in the adult ascidian CNS, and contributes to understanding of the evolution of glial cells among metazoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Nicole Santos Paes Medina
- Laboratório Integrado de Biociências Translacionais Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade, NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Morfológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia Comparativa e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Taynan Motta Portal
- Laboratório Integrado de Biociências Translacionais Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade, NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos Augusto Borges de Andrade Gomes
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia Comparativa e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Biofísica, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Nunes-da-Fonseca
- Laboratório Integrado de Ciências Morfofuncionais, Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade - NUPEM - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro -, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - Silvana Allodi
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia Comparativa e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Biofísica, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Cintia Monteiro-de-Barros
- Laboratório Integrado de Biociências Translacionais Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade, NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
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2
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Bisanti L, La Corte C, Dara M, Bertini F, Vizioli J, Parisi MG, Cammarata M, Parrinello D. The Interplay of TLR-NFκB Signalling Pathway and Functional Immune-Related Enzymes in the Inflammatory Response of Ciona robusta. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2169. [PMID: 39123695 PMCID: PMC11310991 DOI: 10.3390/ani14152169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The close phylogenetic relationship between ascidians (Tunicata) and vertebrates makes them a powerful model for studying the innate immune system. To better understand the nature and dynamics of immune responses and the mechanisms through which bacterial infections are detected and translated into inflammation in Ciona robusta, we applied an approach combining in vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, immune-labelling techniques and functional enzymatic analyses. The immunohistochemistry showed that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) were expressed during the inflammatory pharynx response 4 h post-LPS, with the formation of nodules in pharynx vessel lumen. Also, the endothelium vessels were involved in the inflammatory response. Observations of histological sections from naive and buffer-inoculated ascidians confirmed an immuno-positive response. Enzyme immune parameters-which included the activity of phenoloxidase, glutathione peroxidase, lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase and esterase-showed up-modulation 4 h after LPS injection, confirming their participation during ascidian inflammatory response. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the LPS-induced C. robusta response and suggest that a broad innate immune mechanism, as in vertebrates, is involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses. Further findings in this direction are needed to cover knowledge gaps regarding the organized set of molecular and cellular networks involved in universal immune interactions with pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Bisanti
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (L.B.); (C.L.C.); (F.B.)
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia La Corte
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (L.B.); (C.L.C.); (F.B.)
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mariano Dara
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (L.B.); (C.L.C.); (F.B.)
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Federica Bertini
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (L.B.); (C.L.C.); (F.B.)
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Jacopo Vizioli
- Laboratoire Protéomique, Réponse Inflammatoire et Spectrométrie de Masse (Inserm U1192), Département de Biologie, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Maria Giovanna Parisi
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (L.B.); (C.L.C.); (F.B.)
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Matteo Cammarata
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (L.B.); (C.L.C.); (F.B.)
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Parrinello
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (L.B.); (C.L.C.); (F.B.)
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), 90133 Palermo, Italy
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3
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Jiang A, Han K, Wei J, Su X, Wang R, Zhang W, Liu X, Qiao J, Liu P, Liu Q, Zhang J, Zhang N, Ge Y, Zhuang Y, Yu H, Wang S, Chen K, Lu W, Xu X, Yang H, Fan G, Dong B. Spatially resolved single-cell atlas of ascidian endostyle provides insight into the origin of vertebrate pharyngeal organs. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadi9035. [PMID: 38552007 PMCID: PMC10980280 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi9035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
The pharyngeal endoderm, an innovation of deuterostome ancestors, contributes to pharyngeal development by influencing the patterning and differentiation of pharyngeal structures in vertebrates; however, the evolutionary origin of the pharyngeal organs in vertebrates is largely unknown. The endostyle, a distinct pharyngeal organ exclusively present in basal chordates, represents a good model for understanding pharyngeal organ origins. Using Stereo-seq and single-cell RNA sequencing, we constructed aspatially resolved single-cell atlas for the endostyle of the ascidian Styela clava. We determined the cell composition of the hemolymphoid region, which illuminates a mixed ancestral structure for the blood and lymphoid system. In addition, we discovered a cluster of hair cell-like cells in zone 3, which has transcriptomic similarity with the hair cells of the vertebrate acoustico-lateralis system. These findings reshape our understanding of the pharynx of the basal chordate and provide insights into the evolutionary origin of multiplexed pharyngeal organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Jiang
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Kai Han
- BGI Research, Qingdao 266555, China
| | - Jiankai Wei
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
| | | | - Rui Wang
- BGI Research, Qingdao 266555, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | | | - Jinghan Qiao
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Penghui Liu
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Qun Liu
- BGI Research, Qingdao 266555, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | | | - Yonghang Ge
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yuan Zhuang
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Haiyan Yu
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shi Wang
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Kai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research and Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Wange Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xun Xu
- BGI Research, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | | | - Guangyi Fan
- BGI Research, Qingdao 266555, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen 518083, China
- Qingdao Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics BGI Research, Qingdao 266555, China
| | - Bo Dong
- Fang Zongxi Center for Marine EvoDevo, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
- MoE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
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4
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La Paglia L, Vazzana M, Mauro M, Urso A, Arizza V, Vizzini A. Bioactive Molecules from the Innate Immunity of Ascidians and Innovative Methods of Drug Discovery: A Computational Approach Based on Artificial Intelligence. Mar Drugs 2023; 22:6. [PMID: 38276644 PMCID: PMC10817596 DOI: 10.3390/md22010006] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of bioactive molecules of marine origin has created an important bridge between biological knowledge and its applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. Current studies in different research fields, such as biomedicine, aim to discover marine molecules characterized by biological activities that can be used to produce potential drugs for human use. In recent decades, increasing attention has been paid to a particular group of marine invertebrates, the Ascidians, as they are a source of bioactive products. We describe omics data and computational methods relevant to identifying the mechanisms and processes of innate immunity underlying the biosynthesis of bioactive molecules, focusing on innovative computational approaches based on Artificial Intelligence. Since there is increasing attention on finding new solutions for a sustainable supply of bioactive compounds, we propose that a possible improvement in the biodiscovery pipeline might also come from the study and utilization of marine invertebrates' innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura La Paglia
- Istituto di Calcolo e Reti ad Alte Prestazioni–Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.P.); (A.U.)
| | - Mirella Vazzana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche–Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (M.V.); (M.M.); (V.A.)
| | - Manuela Mauro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche–Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (M.V.); (M.M.); (V.A.)
| | - Alfonso Urso
- Istituto di Calcolo e Reti ad Alte Prestazioni–Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (L.L.P.); (A.U.)
| | - Vincenzo Arizza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche–Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (M.V.); (M.M.); (V.A.)
| | - Aiti Vizzini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche–Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, 90100 Palermo, Italy; (M.V.); (M.M.); (V.A.)
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5
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Daugavet MA, Dobrynina MI, Shaposhnikova TG, Solovyeva AI, Mittenberg AG, Shabelnikov SV, Babkina IY, Grinchenko AV, Ilyaskina DV, Podgornaya OI. New putative phenol oxidase in ascidian blood cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14326. [PMID: 35995990 PMCID: PMC9395347 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18283-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The phenol oxidase system is ancient and ubiquitously distributed in all living organisms. In various groups it serves for the biosynthesis of pigments and neurotransmitters (dopamine), defence reactions and tissue hardening. Ascidians belong to subphylum Tunicata, which is considered the closest living relative to Vertebrates. Two phenol oxidases previously described for ascidians are vertebrate-like and arthropod-like phenol oxidases. In our present study, we described a new ascidian protein, Tuphoxin, with putative phenol oxidase function, which bears no sequence similarity with two enzymes described previously. The closest related proteins to Tuphoxin are mollusc haemocyanins. Unlike haemocyanins, which are oxygen transporting plasma proteins, Tuphoxin is synthesised in ascidian blood cells and secreted in the extracellular matrix of the tunic—ascidian outer coverings. Single mature transcript coding for this phenol oxidase can give several protein products of different sizes. Thus limited proteolysis of the initial protein is suggested. A unique feature of Tuphoxins and their homologues among Tunicata is the presence of thrombospondin first type repeats (TSP1) domain in their sequence which is supposed to provide interaction with extracellular matrix. The finding of TSP1 in the structure of phenol oxidases is new and we consider this to be an innovation of Tunicata evolutionary lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Daugavet
- Institute of Cytology of Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - M I Dobrynina
- Institute of Cytology of Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - A I Solovyeva
- Institute of Cytology of Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Zoological Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - A G Mittenberg
- Institute of Cytology of Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - S V Shabelnikov
- Institute of Cytology of Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - I Yu Babkina
- Saint-Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - A V Grinchenko
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - D V Ilyaskina
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Vladivostok, Russia.,Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - O I Podgornaya
- Institute of Cytology of Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Saint-Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
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6
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Alesci A, Pergolizzi S, Lo Cascio P, Capillo G, Lauriano ER. Localization of vasoactive intestinal peptide and toll-like receptor 2 immunoreactive cells in endostyle of urochordate Styela plicata (Lesueur, 1823). Microsc Res Tech 2022; 85:2651-2658. [PMID: 35394101 PMCID: PMC9324221 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The endostyle is the first component of the ascidian digestive tract, it is shaped like a through and is located in the pharynx's ventral wall. This organ is divided longitudinally into nine zones that are parallel to each other. Each zone's cells are physically and functionally distinct. Support elements are found in zones 1, 3, and 5, while mucoproteins secreting elements related to the filtering function are found in zones 2, 4, and 6. Zones 7, 8, and 9, which are located in the lateral dorsal section of the endostyle, include cells with high iodine and peroxidase concentrations. Immunohistochemical technique using the following antibodies, Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR‐2) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and lectin histochemistry (WGA—wheat‐germagglutinin), were used in this investigation to define immune cells in the endostyle of Styela plicata (Lesueur, 1823). Our results demonstrate the presence of immune cells in the endostyle of S. plicata, highlighting that innate immune mechanisms are highly conserved in the phylogeny of the chordates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Alesci
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Simona Pergolizzi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Patrizia Lo Cascio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gioele Capillo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology, National Research Council (IRBIM, CNR), Spianata S. Raineri, Messina, Italy
| | - Eugenia Rita Lauriano
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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7
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Longo V, Parrinello D, Longo A, Parisi MG, Parrinello N, Colombo P, Cammarata M. The conservation and diversity of ascidian cells and molecules involved in the inflammatory reaction: The Ciona robusta model. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 119:384-396. [PMID: 34687879 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2021.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ascidians are marine invertebrate chordates belonging to the earliest branch (Tunicata) in the chordate phylum, therefore, they are of interest for studying the evolution of immune systems. Due to the known genome, the non-colonial Ciona robusta, previously considered to be C. intestinalis type A, is a model species for the study of inflammatory response. The internal defense of ascidians mainly relies on hemocytes circulating in the hemolymph and pharynx. Hemocytes can be in vivo challenged by LPS injection and various granulocyte and vacuolated cell populations differentiated to produce and release inflammatory factors. Molecular biology and gene expression studies revealed complex defense mechanisms involving different inflammatory hemocytes. Furthermore, cloning procedures allowed sequence analyses and molecular studies disclose immune-related gene families including TOLL-like receptors, galectins, C-type lectins, collectins, interlectins, pentraxine-like, peroxinectins, complement factors-like, TNFα-like, IL-17-like, TGF-like, MIF-like. These genes are promptly upregulated by the inflammatory stimulus and show a time course of transcription similar to each other. Domains sequence similarity and phylogenetic relationships with the vertebrate counterparts are shedding some light on immune-related gene evolution. Selective bioassays as well as bioinformatic approaches have allowed the characterization of antimicrobial peptides and the identification of post transcriptional molecular mechanisms able of influencing dynamics of gene regulation are described. In synthesis, the purpose of this article is to further explore the topic of hemocyte and molecules related to internal defence of ascidians involved in the inflammatory reaction, as well as to discuss current and future study options through a detailed literature review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Longo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Longo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Nicolò Parrinello
- Department of Earth and Marine Science, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Colombo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Matteo Cammarata
- Department of Earth and Marine Science, University of Palermo, Italy
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8
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Vizzini A, Dumas F, Di Falco F, Arizza V. Evolutionary and transcriptional analyses of a pentraxin-like component family involved in the LPS inflammatory response of Ciona robusta. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 111:94-101. [PMID: 33513439 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2021.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pentraxins (PTXs) are a superfamily of conserved proteins which are components of the humoral arm of innate immunity. They are considered to be functional ancestors of antibodies and are classified into short and long types. In this study, we show that a pentraxin-like component (Ptx-like) with a C-terminal PTX domain, highly homologous to the short PTX of H. sapiens CRP, and a long N-terminal domain typical of long PTXs, is involved in the inflammatory response of Ciona robusta under LPS exposure in vivo. Analyses of protein domains as well as 3D modelling and phylogenetic tree supported the close relationship of Ptx-like with mammalian CRP, suggesting that C. robusta Ptx-like shares a common ancestor in the chordate lineages. qRT-PCR analysis showed that Ptx-like was transcriptionally upregulated during the inflammatory process induced by LPS inoculation and that it is involved in the initial phase as well as the secondary phase of the inflammatory response in which matrix remodelling and the achievement of homeostasis occur. In situ hybridisation assays revealed that gene transcription was upregulated in the pharynx post-LPS challenge in vivo, and that Ptx-like was expressed by clusters of haemocytes, mainly granulocytes, inside the pharynx vessels. We also found transcript-expressing granulocytes flowing in the musculature and in the lacunae of the circulatory system. These data supported that Ptx-like is a potential molecule of the acute-phase response in C. robusta immune defence systems against bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiti Vizzini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche - Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Francesca Dumas
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche - Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Felicia Di Falco
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche - Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arizza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche - Università di Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
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9
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Longo V, Longo A, Martorana A, Lauria A, Augello G, Azzolina A, Cervello M, Colombo P. Identification of an LPS-Induced Chemo-Attractive Peptide from Ciona robusta. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18040209. [PMID: 32290587 PMCID: PMC7230320 DOI: 10.3390/md18040209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Previously published work has demonstrated that the LPS injection of Ciona robusta leads to the overexpression of a truncated form of an immune-related mRNA (C8short) by means of Ciona robusta (CR) alternative polyadenylation (APA) (CR-APA). Methods: The 3D structure of the C8short-derived Ciona robusta chemo-attractive peptide (CrCP) was evaluated by homology modeling. The biological activity of the CrCP was studied in vitro using a primary human dermal cell line (HuDe). Real-Time PCR was used to investigate the expression levels of genes involved in cell motility. NF-κB signaling was studied by western blotting. Results: In silico modeling showed that CrCP displayed structural characteristics already reported for a short domain of the vertebrate CRK gene, suggesting its possible involvement in cell migration mechanisms. In vitro assays demonstrated that CrCP was capable of inducing the motility of HuDe cells in both wound healing and chemo-attractive experiments. qPCR demonstrated the capability of CrCP to modulate the expression of the matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) and E-cadherin genes. Finally, western blot analysis demonstrated that treatment with CrCP induced activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusion: Our results describe the characterization of the 3D structure and chemo-attractive activity of an LPS-induced CrCP peptide from Ciona robusta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Longo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (V.L.); (A.L.); (G.A.); (A.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Alessandra Longo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (V.L.); (A.L.); (G.A.); (A.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Annamaria Martorana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche “STEBICEF”, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (A.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Antonino Lauria
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche “STEBICEF”, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (A.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Giuseppa Augello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (V.L.); (A.L.); (G.A.); (A.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Antonina Azzolina
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (V.L.); (A.L.); (G.A.); (A.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (V.L.); (A.L.); (G.A.); (A.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Paolo Colombo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (V.L.); (A.L.); (G.A.); (A.A.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-91-6809535
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10
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Parrinello D, Parisi M, Parrinello N, Cammarata M. Ciona robusta hemocyte populational dynamics and PO-dependent cytotoxic activity. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 103:103519. [PMID: 31610182 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.103519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hemocyte populations from the ascidian Ciona robusta, separated through a Percoll discontinuous density gradient, are further characterized by May-Grünwald-Giemsa staining and a cytochemical reaction for phenoloxidase. Variability in cell density, acidophilic property and phenoloxidase activity suggest multiple hemocyte type populations, cell lineages and morphotypes that may be involved in distinct cellular responses. Therefore, unilocular refractile granulocytes, typical of this ascidian species, enriched in a fraction separated from the hemolymph show in vitro phenoloxidase-dependent cytotoxic activity against mammalian erythrocytes and a tumor cell lineage, in addition the properties listed above indicate relationships with vacuolated signet ring cells. Finally, bromo-deoxyuridine with, diamino-phenylindole fluorescent reaction and May-Grünwald-Giemsa staining show that in the hemolymph there are hyaline amoebocytes and granulocytes with potential proliferating activity. Present findings and reviewed images of previously reported inflammatory hemocytes in the tunic and pharynx allow us to speculate on theoretical outlines of hemocyte differentiation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Parrinello
- Department of Heart and Marine Science DISTEM, Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mariagiovanna Parisi
- Department of Heart and Marine Science DISTEM, Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nicolò Parrinello
- Department of Heart and Marine Science DISTEM, Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matteo Cammarata
- Department of Heart and Marine Science DISTEM, Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed. 16, Palermo, Italy.
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11
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Cancemi P, Di Falco F, Feo S, Arizza V, Vizzini A. The gelatinase MMP-9like is involved in regulation of LPS inflammatory response in Ciona robusta. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 86:213-222. [PMID: 30453047 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.11.028] [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: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases collectively able to degrade the components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), with important roles in many biological processes, such as embryogenesis, normal tissue remodelling, angiogenesis and wound healing. New views on the function of MMPs reveal that they regulate inflammatory response and therefore might represent an early step in the evolution of the immune system. MMPs can affect the activity of cytokines involved in inflammation including TGF-β and TNF-α. MMPs are widely distributed in all kingdoms of life and have likely evolved from a single-domain protein which underwent successive rounds of duplications. In this study, we focused on the Ciona robusta (formerly known as Ciona intestinalis) MMP gelatinase homologue. Gene organization, phylogenetic analysis and 3D modeling supported the closest correlation of C. robusta gelatinase with the human MMP-9. Real-time PCR analysis and zymographic assay showed a prompt expression induced by LPS inoculation and an upregulation of enzymatic activity. Furthermore, we showed that before of the well-known increase of TGF-β and TNF-α levels, a MMP-9like boost occurred, suggesting a possible involvement of MMP-9like in regulating inflammatory response in C. robusta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Cancemi
- Department of Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Advanced Technologies Network Center (ATeN), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Felicia Di Falco
- Department of Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Feo
- Department of Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Advanced Technologies Network Center (ATeN), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arizza
- Department of Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Aiti Vizzini
- Department of Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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12
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Li S, Huang X, Chen Y, Li X, Zhan A. Identification and characterization of proteins involved in stolon adhesion in the highly invasive fouling ascidian Ciona robusta. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 510:91-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.01.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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13
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Identification of CPE and GAIT elements in 3'UTR of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) involved in inflammatory response induced by LPS in Ciona robusta. Mol Immunol 2018; 99:66-74. [PMID: 29702356 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Innate immune responses face infectious microorganisms by inducing inflammatory responses. Multiple genes within distinct functional categories are coordinately and temporally regulated by transcriptional 'on' and 'off' switches that account for the specificity of gene expression in response to external stimuli. Mechanisms that control transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation are important in coordinating the initiation and resolution of inflammation. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an important cytokine that, in Ciona robusta, is related to inflammatory response. It is well known that in C. robusta, formerly known as Ciona intestinalis, the pharynx is involved in the inflammatory reaction induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection in the body wall. Using this biological system, we describe the identification of two C. robusta MIFs (CrMIF1 and CrMIF2). The phylogenetic tree and modeling support a close relationship with vertebrate MIF family members. CrMIF1 and CrMIF2 possess two evolutionally conserved catalytic sites: a tautomerase and an oxidoreductase site with a conserved CXXC motif. Real-time PCR analysis shows a prompt expression induced by LPS inoculation in CrMIF1 and a late upregulation of CrMIF2 and in silico analyses of 3'UTR show a cis-acting GAIT element and a CPE element in 3'-UTR, which are not present in the 3'-UTR of CrMIF1, suggesting that different transcriptional and post-transcriptional control mechanisms are involved in the regulation of gene expression of MIF during inflammatory response in C. robusta.
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14
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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: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [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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15
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Di Falco F, Cammarata M, Vizzini A. Molecular characterisation, evolution and expression analysis of g-type lysozymes in Ciona intestinalis. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 67:457-463. [PMID: 27663680 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Lysozyme is an important defense molecule of the innate immune system. Known for its bactericidal properties, lysozyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of b-(1,4)-glycosidic bonds between the N-acetyl glucosamine and N-acetyl muramic acid in the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls. In this study, the complete coding sequence of four g-type lysozymes were identified in Ciona intestinalis. Phylogenetic analysis and modelling supported the hypothesis of a close relationship with the vertebrate g-type lysozymes suggesting that the C. intestinalis g-type lysozyme genes (CiLys-g1, Cilys-g2, CiLys-g3, CiLys-g4) share a common ancestor in the chordate lineage. Protein motif searches indicated that C. intestinalis g-type lysozymes contain a GEWL domain with a GXXQ signature, typical of goose lysozymes. Quantitative Real-Time PCR analysis results showed that transcripts are expressed in various tissues from C. intestinalis. In order to determine the involvement of C. intestinalis g-type lysozymes in immunity, their expression was analyzed in the pharynx, showing that transcripts were significantly up-regulated in response to a challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These data support the view that CiLys g-type are molecules with potential for immune defense system against bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Di Falco
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological, Chemical, Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matteo Cammarata
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological, Chemical, Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Aiti Vizzini
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological, Chemical, Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy.
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16
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Vizzini A, Bonura A, Longo V, Sanfratello MA, Parrinello D, Cammarata M, Colombo P. LPS injection reprograms the expression and the 3' UTR of a CAP gene by alternative polyadenylation and the formation of a GAIT element in Ciona intestinalis. Mol Immunol 2016; 77:174-83. [PMID: 27514009 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The diversification of cellular functions is one of the major characteristics of multicellular organisms which allow cells to modulate their gene expression, leading to the formation of transcripts and proteins with different functions and concentrations in response to different stimuli. CAP genes represent a widespread family of proteins belonging to the cysteine-rich secretory protein, antigen 5 and pathogenesis-related 1 superfamily which, it has been proposed, play key roles in the infection process and the modulation of immune responses in host animals. The ascidian Ciona intestinalis represents a group of proto-chordates with an exclusively innate immune system that has been widely studied in the field of comparative and developmental immunology. Using this biological system, we describe the identification of a novel APA mechanism by which an intronic polyadenylation signal is activated by LPS injection, leading to the formation of a shorter CAP mRNA capable of expressing the first CAP exon plus 19 amino acid residues whose sequence is contained within the first intron of the annotated gene. Furthermore, such an APA event causes the expression of a translational controlling cis-acting GAIT element which is not present in the previously isolated CAP isoform and identified in the 3'-UTR of other immune-related genes, suggesting an intriguing scenario in which both transcriptional and post-transcriptional control mechanisms are involved in the activation of the CAP gene during inflammatory response in C. intestinalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiti Vizzini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Angela Bonura
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Longo
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Parrinello
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matteo Cammarata
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Colombo
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, Italy.
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17
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Vizzini A, Di Falco F, Parrinello D, Sanfratello MA, Cammarata M. Transforming growth factor β (CiTGF-β) gene expression is induced in the inflammatory reaction of Ciona intestinalis. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 55:102-110. [PMID: 26493014 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF-β) is a well-known component of a regulatory cytokines superfamily that has pleiotropic functions in a broad range of cell types and is involved, in vertebrates, in numerous physiological and pathological processes. In the current study, we report on Ciona intestinalis molecular characterisation and expression of a transforming growth factor β homologue (CiTGF-β). The gene organisation, phylogenetic tree and modelling supported the close relationship with the mammalian TGF suggesting that the C. intestinalis TGF-β gene shares a common ancestor in the chordate lineages. Functionally, real-time PCR analysis showed that CiTGF-β was transcriptionally upregulated in the inflammatory process induced by LPS inoculation, suggesting that is involved in the first phase and significant in the secondary phase of the inflammatory response in which cell differentiation occurs. In situ hybridisation assays revealed that the genes transcription was upregulated in the pharynx, the main organ of the ascidian immune system, and expressed by cluster of hemocytes inside the pharynx vessels. These data supported the view that CiTGF-β is a potential molecule in immune defence systems against bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiti Vizzini
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Felicia Di Falco
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Parrinello
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Sanfratello
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matteo Cammarata
- Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Biological Chemical Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy.
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18
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Vizzini A, Bonura A, Longo V, Sanfratello MA, Parrinello D, Cammarata M, Colombo P. Isolation of a novel LPS-induced component of the ML superfamily in Ciona intestinalis. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 53:70-78. [PMID: 26159403 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Revised: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
ML superfamily represents a group of proteins playing important roles in lipid metabolism and innate immune response. In this study, we report the identification of the first component of the ML superfamily in the invertebrate Ciona intestinalis by means of a subtractive hybridization strategy. Sequence homology and phylogenetic analysis showed that this protein forms a specific clade with vertebrate components of the Niemann-Pick type C2 protein and, for this reason, it has been named Ci-NPC2. The putative Ci-NPC2 is a 150 amino acids long protein with a short signal peptide, seven cysteine residues, three putative lipid binding site and a three-dimensional model showing a characteristic β-strand structure. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that the Ci-NPC2 protein is positively upregulated after LPS inoculum with a peak of expression 1 h after challenge. Finally, in-situ hybridization demonstrated that the Ci-NPC2 protein is preferentially expressed in hemocytes inside the vessel lumen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiti Vizzini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Angela Bonura
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Longo
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Parrinello
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matteo Cammarata
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Via Archirafi 18, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Colombo
- Istituto di Biomedicina ed Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy" del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, Palermo, Italy.
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