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A New IL6 Isoform in Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle ( Pelodiscus sinesis) Discovered: Its Regulation during Cold Stress and Infection. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9050111. [PMID: 32466093 PMCID: PMC7284502 DOI: 10.3390/biology9050111] [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: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinesis) is a widely cultured commercial species in East and Southeast Asian countries. The turtles frequently suffer from acute cold stress during farming in China. Stress-induced factor such as Interleukin-6 (IL6) is a multifunctional molecule that plays important roles in innate and adaptive immune response. In the present study, we found that the turtle possessed two IL6 transcripts, where one IL6 transcript contained a signal peptide sequence (psIL6), while the other IL6 transcript (psIL6ns) possessed no such signal peptide gene. To test any differential expression of the two isoforms during temperature and microbial stress, turtles were adapted to optimal environmental water temperature (25 °C), stressed by acute cooling for 24 h, followed with the challenge of Aeromonas hydrophila (1.8 × 108 CFU) or Staphylococcus aureus (5.8 × 108 CFU). Gene characterization revealed that psIL6ns, a splicer without codons encoding a signal peptide and identical to the one predicted from genomic sequence, and psIL6, a splicer with codons encoding a signal peptide, were both present. Inducible expression was documented in primary spleen cells stimulated with ConA and poly I: C. The splenic and intestinal expression of psIL6ns and psIL6 was increased in response to temperature stress and bacterial infection.
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Letendre C, Young LJ, Old JM. Limitations in the isolation and stimulation of splenic mononuclear cells in a dasyurid marsupial, Phascogale calura. BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:712. [PMID: 30305168 PMCID: PMC6180634 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3824-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Marsupials suffer from an increasing number of stressors in this changing world. Functional studies are thus needed to broaden our understanding of the marsupial immune system. The red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura) is a small Australian marsupial previously used in descriptive immunological studies. Here, we aimed to develop functional assays by isolating and stimulating blood and spleen mononuclear cells in vitro. RESULTS While peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) were relatively easy to isolate, only 105 mononuclear cells (> 90% purity and > 75% viability) could be recovered from the spleen, independently of the sex and age of the animal or the centrifugation time and speed tested. The pores of the mesh sieve used for tissue homogenization might have been too big to yield a single cell suspension. Nevertheless, in spite of the overall low number of cells recovered, PBMC and splenic mononuclear cells were successfully activated in preliminary trials with phytohemaglutinin. This activation state was evidenced by a change in shape and the presence of small cell aggregations in the mitogen-stimulated cultures. A non-radioactive colorimetric assay was also performed to confirm cell proliferation in these wells. This work highlights the importance of developing and reporting detailed methodological protocols in non-traditional research species.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Letendre
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
| | - L. J. Young
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
| | - J. M. Old
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
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Eldridge MDB, Miller EJ, Neaves LE, Zenger KR, Herbert CA. Extensive genetic differentiation detected within a model marsupial, the tammar wallaby (Notamacropus eugenii). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172777. [PMID: 28257440 PMCID: PMC5336229 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The tammar wallaby (Notamacropus eugenii) is one of the most intensively studied of all macropodids and was the first Australasian marsupial to have its genome sequenced. However, comparatively little is known about genetic diversity and differentiation amongst the morphologically distinct allopatric populations of tammar wallabies found in Western (WA) and South Australia (SA). Here we compare autosomal and Y-linked microsatellite genotypes, as well as sequence data (~600 bp) from the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (CR) in tammar wallabies from across its distribution. Levels of diversity at autosomal microsatellite loci were typically high in the WA mainland and Kangaroo Island (SA) populations (A = 8.9-10.6; He = 0.77-0.78) but significantly reduced in other endemic island populations (A = 3.8-4.1; He = 0.41-0.48). Autosomal and Y-linked microsatellite loci revealed a pattern of significant differentiation amongst populations, especially between SA and WA. The Kangaroo Island and introduced New Zealand population showed limited differentiation. Multiple divergent mtDNA CR haplotypes were identified within both SA and WA populations. The CR haplotypes of tammar wallabies from SA and WA show reciprocal monophyly and are highly divergent (14.5%), with levels of sequence divergence more typical of different species. Within WA tammar wallabies, island populations each have unique clusters of highly related CR haplotypes and each is most closely related to different WA mainland haplotypes. Y-linked microsatellite haplotypes show a similar pattern of divergence although levels of diversity are lower. In light of these differences, we suggest that two subspecies of tammar wallaby be recognized; Notamacropus eugenii eugenii in SA and N. eugenii derbianus in WA. The extensive neutral genetic diversity and inter-population differentiation identified within tammar wallabies should further increase the species value and usefulness as a model organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. B. Eldridge
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Emily J. Miller
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Linda E. Neaves
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kyall R. Zenger
- College of Science and Engineering and Centre of Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Catherine A. Herbert
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
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Borthwick CR, Young LJ, McAllan BM, Old JM. Identification of the mRNA encoding interleukin-6 and its receptor, interleukin-6 receptor α, in five marsupial species. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 65:211-217. [PMID: 27431929 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Expressed coding sequences for interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-6 receptor α (IL-6R) were examined in five marsupial species. Full length expressed coding sequences for IL-6 and IL-6R were identified and characterized in the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica). For IL-6, ∼225 bp fragments of the mRNA sequence were identified in the red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura), kultarr (Antechinomys laniger), and stripe-faced dunnart (Sminthopsis macroura), while ∼563 bp fragments of mRNA encoding IL-6R were identified in the red-tailed phascogale, kultarr, stripe-face dunnart and fat-tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata). Relative expression levels of IL-6 and IL-6R were examined in the heart, muscle, lung, liver, spleen and kidney of adult red-tailed phascogales, and IL-6 gene expression was found to be significantly higher in the lung and spleen than the other tissues examined, while the expression of IL-6R was significantly higher in the liver, lung and spleen. These results now serve as a reference point for examining the role and levels of IL-6 and IL-6R in the health and disease of these marsupial species. The pro-tumorigenic nature of IL-6 is of particular interest, and the identification of these IL-6 and IL-6R coding sequences provides a platform for further work to evaluate the potential role of IL-6 in marsupial cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey R Borthwick
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Lauren J Young
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Bronwyn M McAllan
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Julie M Old
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia.
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Further characterisation of cytokines in macropod marsupials: IL-10 and IL-10Δ3. Cytokine 2016; 88:37-44. [PMID: 27552114 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2016.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-10 is an immunomodulatory cytokine that has been implicated, along with IFN-γ, in the disease sequelae of mycobacterial infection. In order to investigate the role of IL-10 in marsupial disease models we sequenced and characterised the IL10 gene in the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) and rufous hare-wallaby (Lagorchestes hirsutus). An isoform IL-10Δ3, in which an in-frame deletion of exon 3 occurs, was discovered in both macropod species. Analysis of wallaby and other reported marsupial IL-10 homologs suggests that while marsupial IL-10 is comparable to that of human IL-10, the predicted IL-10Δ3 protein may play a more complicated role in the modulation of IL-10-directed responses. Expression of the canonical gene and splicing variant was confirmed in both wallabies, and the rufous hare-wallaby showed differential expression across lymph node, spleen and liver, with isoform expression detected in the lymph node. This characterisation and expression of IL-10 in de novo tissues provides a basis for further study into the role of IL-10 in disease models in marsupials.
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Old JM. Haematopoiesis in Marsupials. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 58:40-46. [PMID: 26592963 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Marsupials are a group of mammals that give birth to immature young lacking mature immune tissues at birth, and are unable to mount their own specific immune defence. Their immune tissues develop in a non-sterile ex-utero environment unlike that of eutherian mammals such as ourselves. Marsupials are therefore ideal models for studying the development of immune tissues, in particular haematopoiesis, yet relatively little has been investigated. Most studies have been restricted to histological or immunohistological studies, however some factors likely to be involved, based on eutherian studies in haematopoiesis, have been isolated and characterised, including a few key markers, and some cell signaling and regulation molecules, mostly involved in lymphocytopoiesis. However the role of many molecules in haematopoiesis is largely presumed. We currently lack much of the rudimentary information regarding time of appearance and expression levels of these molecules, and no functional studies have been conducted. This paper reviews our knowledge of marsupial haematopoiesis to date, and highlights the need for future research in marsupials to gain further insights into the evolution of haematopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Old
- Water and Wildlife Ecology, School of Science and Health, University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, N.S.W, 2751 Australia.
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Alsemgeest J, Old JM, Young LJ. The macropod type 2 interferon gene shares important regulatory and functionally relevant regions with eutherian IFN-γ. Mol Immunol 2014; 63:297-304. [PMID: 25124143 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2014.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is an important immune regulatory molecule that plays a significant role in internal and external modulation of the mammalian immune response to intracellular pathogens. Herein, we report the 492 nt expressed sequence for the coding domain of IFN-γ from the immune tissues of two Australian macropod marsupial species: the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) and the vulnerable rufous hare-wallaby (Lagorchestes hirsutus). Both 5' and 3' untranslated regions and the coding domain of M. eugenii IFN-γ revealed the presence of motifs responsible for transcriptional regulation, mRNA regulation, post-translational modifications, and receptor binding in other mammals. Since diagnostic kits for mycobacterial disease commonly rely on the assessment of interferon levels, we can now use this information to develop reagents that can be applied in clinical and laboratory settings to further our understanding of marsupial responses to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenifer Alsemgeest
- Central Queensland University, School of Medical and Applied Sciences, Rockhampton, Queensland 4702, Australia
| | - Julie M Old
- University of Western Sydney, School of Science and Health, Penrith NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Lauren J Young
- Central Queensland University, School of Medical and Applied Sciences, Rockhampton, Queensland 4702, Australia; University of Western Sydney, School of Science and Health, Penrith NSW 2751, Australia.
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